If your child's pediatric dentist finds that your child has one or more cavities, then he may recommend the use of anesthesia while removing these cavities and putting in fillings. Toddlers have a very hard time holding still, and certain aspects of getting and preparing for one or more fillings may be very scary to them. By using anesthesia, your child can simply sleep through the procedure and they won't remember a thing. However, when anesthesia is used, there are a few things that you should expect. This can help you to feel more prepared so that the procedure goes as smoothly as possible.

Your Child's Eyes Will Remain Open

One thing that some parents don't realize is that their child's eyes will actually remain open after the anesthesia has set in. Instead of closing their eyes, your child will instead stare off into the distance. Don't worry, your child is just fine, and the dentist will close their eyes during the procedure to ensure that they don't dry out.

Be Prepared To Wait

When your child gets a filling with anesthesia, there is generally a fairly long wait. This is due to the fact that the anesthesia needs both time to set in and time to wear off. The dentist will also need to ensure that your child's teeth and gums are numb and ready to go before they begin. The nice thing about when your child is waking up from the anesthesia is that you can actually sit with them and hold their hand. This generally makes both child and parent feel more comfortable.

Monitor Your Child Closely After The Appointment

When it is time to take your child home, the dentist will likely recommend that you keep them laying or sitting for the next couple of hours. This is because your child's balance will be a bit off until the anesthesia has completely worn off and is out of their system. The dentist will also ask you what kind of car seat your child sits in, so as to ensure that they are not going to fall over and injure themselves in the car while you are driving. You will also want to be careful of stairs as well because your child is much more likely to fall on them than usual.

Getting a filling with anesthesia is often the best method for toddlers, and as long as you are prepared for what to expect before, during, and after, it will likely be a good experience for all involved. To learn more, visit a website like http://www.brooksidedentalgroup.com.