Arrival
When you arrive at the surgery centre, check in at the front desk at your scheduled time. A pre-operative nurse will then call you and your child back to the children’s pre-operative area to start the intake process.
Admittance and Preparations
Changing and Comfort
- Your child may remain in loose comfortable clothing or to change into a gown.
- A nurse will explain the process to your child, check their vital signs, weight and height.
- We suggest parents to bring a comfort item from home, like a stuffed animal or blanket, is encouraged to help keep their child comfortable
Information Gathering
- The nurse will ask you questions about your child’s medical history to ensure all information is accurate.
Anesthesia Preparations
Meeting the Anesthesiologist
- The anesthesiologist will introduce themselves and explain the anesthesia process to you.
- Your child may be given a calming medication called Versed, a pink liquid, about 20-30 minutes before going to the operating room. This decision is made by the anesthesiologist.
Intraoperative Imaging
Meeting the Pediatric Dentist
- Before entering the OR, the surgeon will introduce themselves, explain the procedure, and answer any questions.
- If radiographs (X-rays) are necessary, they will be taken once your child is asleep to ensure all necessary dental work is completed. The dentist will review the x-rays and discuss any supplementary findings and work done after the procedure.
Procedure
Transport and Anesthesia- Your child will be taken into the operating room (OR). One parent is allowed to accompany the child.
- The child is given a mask over their face with anesthesia gases for them to breathe, and they are usually sedated within 5-10 seconds. We call this “blowing up the balloon” because there is a colored bag on the machine that moves in and out as the child breathes in the gases.
- A breathing tube will be inserted to assist with breathing during the procedure. The tube will be removed once your child’s dental treatment is completed and your child can breathe independently.
- An IV will be started to deliver medication and fluids.
Post-Operation
Recovery:
- After the procedure, your child will recover in a private recovery room.
- The recovery nurse will monitor their vital signs and bring you back once they start waking up.
- Your child might be restless upon waking up due to the anesthesia effects, not because of pain. Pain medication will have been given during the procedure if needed.
Discharge:
- Once calm and with stable vital signs, your child can have something to drink, the IV will be removed, and they can go home. Recovery usually takes about 30-45 minutes.
Post-Operative Instructions
Care at Home:
- Follow the post-operative instructions provided before discharge.
- Avoid using straws and giving hard or sticky foods, especially following extractions.
- Progress your child’s diet slowly and maintain good oral hygiene with a soft cloth and gentle brushing as tolerated.
What to Bring on the Day of Surgery
- Your child’s Alberta Health Care Card and dental insurance cards and your picture ID.
- Any custody paperwork if applicable, with consents signed by the legal guardian.
- A comfort item for your child (toy, doll, blanket).
- Something to occupy yourself (book, laptop), as one parent must stay on-site.
- Snacks for yourself since you cannot leave the premises during the surgery.
- Make arrangements for other children to stay at home.
Important Notes
- Plan to spend 2-4 hours from registration to discharge.
- We can provide notes for work or school as needed.
- Contact the surgery centre if you have any questions or would like to visit beforehand.
We look forward to providing excellent care for your child!