General anesthesia, sometimes referred to as IV sedation, is treatment with certain medicines that put you into a deep sleep so you don't feel pain during surgery. After you receive these medicines, you will not be aware of what is happening around you. You will not move, feel any pain, or have any memory of the surgical procedure. General anesthesia is a safe way to stay asleep and pain-free during dental procedures. Most people recover completely and do not have any complications.After undergoing IV sedation, the medicine is given intravenously through a vein located in your arm. Your doctor can adjust how deeply asleep you are during surgery. You'll be watched very closely by the surgical team while you are asleep. Your blood pressure, pulse, and breathing will be continuously monitored. General anesthesia is usually safe for healthy people. However, there is a risk of problems with general anesthesia. If you abuse alcohol or medicines, have allergies or a family history of being allergic to medicines, have heart, lung, or kidney problems, smoke or are obese, ask your doctor about potential complications, like harm to your vocal cords, heart attack, temporary mental confusion, stroke trauma to your teeth or tongue, and allergies to the drugs.Before undergoing a dental surgical procedure, your Dr. May meet with you for an evaluation. They will take a complete medical history to determine the type and amount of anesthesia you need. This includes asking you about any allergies, health conditions, medicines, and history of anesthesia. During the evaluation, make sure you inform your doctor of any medical conditions you have, like diabetes, autism, or asthma. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you must inform your doctor. If you think you may be pregnant, you must contact your physician before dental surgery. If you want to rule out pregnancy, tell your doctor what prescription medicines over-the-counter drugs, and herbal supplements you are taking and any recreational drugs you may use several days to a week before surgery. You may be asked to stop taking blood-thinning drugs such as aspirin or ibuprofen like Advil and Motrin. Ask which medications you can take.On the day of your procedure, your Dr. May recommend that you stop smoking and avoid drinking alcohol or caffeinated beverages for 24 hours before surgery. Finally, be sure to get a good night's sleep on the day of the surgery. It is best to arrive early to your appointment to allow time to sign consent forms and other required paperwork. You'll likely be asked not to drink or eat anything after midnight the night before the surgery. Take only the medicine that your doctor told you to take with a small sip of water. Notify your doctor's office if you're feeling ill the day of the procedure. Fever, sore throat, upset stomach, nasal, or chest congestion may increase your risk of complications, and your procedure may need to be postponed. Brush your teeth, cleaning your mouth before surgery helps to avoid infection. Children should be encouraged to use the restroom before surgery.Having a parent in the treatment room is at the discretion of your doctor. Sometimes it is in the best interest of the child, parent, and dental personnel. If a parent remains in the lobby during the procedure, wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. Short sleeve tops or sleeves that can be easily rolled up above the elbows is best. Wear flat sold shoes with ankle support like sneakers. Do not wear any jewelry and leave all valuables at home. Do not wear colored nail polish, perfume, cologne, or eye makeup. Remove any contact lenses and false eyelashes. You will not be able to drive for 24 hours following surgery. Your Dr. May require a licensed driver accompany you to your appointment and be prepared to wait for you during surgery. Also, your Dr. May require that an adult look after you for 24 hours following the procedure. It's usually best to not bring other children to the appointment, but if you must, having two adults present is ideal. On the way home, one adult should be able to observe the child's breathing without any distractions.Following surgery, expect to wake up tired and groggy. You may also experience temporary side effects like upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, facial bruising, stiffness in the jaws, and chafing around the corners of your mouth. But these will wear off in a few hours. Children recover from the side effects of anesthesia at different rates after the procedure. A child may be drowsy, crying or fussy, but should be responsive. Expect minor pain and discomfort for several days following any procedure, so be sure to follow your doctor's pain management recommendations and aftercare instructions carefully and keep all follow-up appointments. Again, your Dr. May require an adult companion to drive you home after the procedure and that an adult watch you closely at home for 24 hours. For 24 hours after surgery, the following restrictions usually apply:- Do not drive or operate machinery.- Do not take sedatives or stimulants.- Do not carry small children or sleep next to young children.- Do not rinse or brush near the surgical site.- Do not smoke. Your Dr. May restrict activities for the remainder of the day, especially bike riding, swimming, using playground equipment, or any activity where balance is important. If you have any questions or concerns about the use of general anesthesia for your procedure, contact your doctor before your scheduled.