General Anaesthetic

Question 1

Explain what GA is + why we may use it

Answer 1

When put to sleep to allow tx to be carried out w/o discomfort
Long waiting list - 1yr, initial assessment to pass, tx can be changed on day

Patients who lack cooperation/v dentally anxious
If extensive tx required for young child

Question 2

Side effects/risks of GA

Answer 2

Dizzy
Sick
Headache
Sore throat from intubation
Agitated/upset on waking

RISKS
Allergic reaction v rare
Death (<1 in every 100,000 - NHS)
Risk of life threatening complications for healthy children <1 in 100,000

Question 3

How safe is GA?

Answer 3

Reassure routine procedure, most recover v quickly
The risk of life threatening complications for healthy children is less than 1 in 100,000 but need to make you aware as part of consent

Question 4

What to expect on the day

Answer 4

Do not eat/drink
Full team dentist/anaesthetists/nurses look after your child
Stay with child till asleep
Not allowed in operating theatre
Contact if child develops a cough/cold within 2wks of operation or diarrhoea/vomiting within a few days of the operation
No school day of + next day

Question 5

GA medical caution

Answer 5

Down syndrome
CF
Cardiac
Severe asthma

Question 6

Define the Gillick Compent

Answer 6

Maturity + understanding under 16 can consent

Question 7

What to include in referral

Answer 7

Patient, GDP GMP name/address/contact no
MH
Parental responsibility
Justification for tx: prev tx/anxiety
Tx plan + recent X-rays