Moms Talk: Would You Place Your Child Under Anesthesia?

Each week in Moms Talk, the Haverford-Havertown Patch’s Moms Council of experts and smart moms take your questions, give advice and share solutions.

So grab a cup of coffee and settle in as we start the conversation today with a question: My dentist wants to place my nervous 5-year-old daughter under anesthesia so she can safely fill in some cavities. What should I do?

Answer from Mom’s Councilmember Julie Carosella (mother of 3): I would get a second opinion, putting a child under general anesthesia does seem a little extreme. I would hope that the dentist would at least attempt to do the work. If then the child is then unable to sit in the chair because of fear, or any other reason, then alternative methods could be explored i.e. putting the child under general anesthesia.

Answer from Mom’s Councilmember Emily Teeple Morrison (mother of 2): I would definitely seek a second opinion, there's no harm in doing so.  I'm not a dentist, but general anesthesia seems extreme for a routine dental procedure for a healthy, normal 5 year old.  In the process, you may even find a dentist who is a better fit for you and your child.

Answer from Mom’s Councilmember Denise Ricchini(mother of 1): I would not put my child under, especially if it would be their first time because you do not know how the anesthesia would effect them.  I have had a dentist suggest putting my daughter under before, but then got a second opinion and was told that he would not put a child down that young.