SOMEONE has to know....Please help.

My little girl has to have surgery on her teeth. The 4 front teeth will be extracted on the top. Then 2 on the bottom will be fixed and capped. She has to be put under and she's only 3 years old. Someone that knows anything about this or has had to have thier child put under- I am begging you to respond.

[scottma]

Today's general anesthesis is relatively safe. The risk is minimal. However, if the behavior management of pediatric patient is achievable , generally general anesthesia is not mandatory. Seeing a competent pediatric dentist is advised.

[lollys_mom]

We have taken her to a Pediatric Specialist. He advised that she be put under because so much work needs to be done. I have brushed her teeth everyday and night. I breastfed her too. WHY! Why does my poor baby have to go through this? She rarley even gets sweets. My poor girl. But all will be well soon. Thank you for replying.

[scottma]

The advantage of general anesthesia is for dentist to save time in dental treatment , and spending much less time in behavior management in pediatric patient. If you really do'nt feel comfotable with general anesthesia,you should address your concern with your treating dentist.

[gguil]

I am a mother of a 2 year old and  truly understand your fears.  I know that you must be very worried because this is your second post and again braved the scorn of other posters.
I am a registered veterinary technician that specialized in emergency and surgical veterinary medicine for many years until I had my daughter.  My experience is with animals which was the reason I didn't respond to your first post..but I hope that this will help. I have always been amazed at how well young animals(sometimes only a few weeks old)recovered from anesthesia and surgery. I can't tell you how many surgeries I have assisted with over the years...3 to 6 patients a day, 5 days a week for nearly 8 years.  Hundreds...and I can only recall a handful of animals that had complications while under anesthesia and out of that handful most had serious underlying disease or injuries causing the compromise.
Even with that said and my father-in-law being a MD...I would be worried if my daughter had to undergo general anesthesia. I would want to know who is putting my child under anesthesia and how? Do they have a MD or RN present?  How will they monitor my childs vital signs? What is their protocol for emergencies?
I think it is very easy to be intimidated by the whole process.  Remember, no question or fear you have about your childs well being is stupid...it's normal.  Ask away, and if you don't understand ask again. Have a notepad handy with questions and maybe talk to your pediatrician about your fears and concerns...compare notes.
Finally; my best friends son, who is 6 months old, recently underwent reconstructive surgery for a urological problem.  He did very well after and actually returned to day care a week after surgery. I wish you the best and I hope that all goes well for your daughter.