GENERAL ANESTHESIA

Dr. Dickins is on staff at both A V Hospital and Lancaster Community Hospital and Regional Valley and A V surgery centers.

Patients are treated under general anesthesia with a medical anesthesiologist and nursing staff in operating room. All of the dental treatment is completed at this time

There are four typical types of patients. First is the child with extensive dental decay. This child requires many appointments (4 to 6) if treated in the dental office. Second is the very young child, 2 to 4 years of age. This child usually has decay in the front four teeth requiring white crowns and possibly baby root canals or pulpotomies. Third is the child who has had dental work in the dental office but was uncooperative, and future dental procedures would be very stressful for the child. Fourth is the mentally or physically challenged child who can not cooperate.

The big advantage to having dental work performed under general anesthesia is that all dental procedures are done at one time. It is, also less stressful for the child and parents.