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Is it safe for my Down syndrome brother to undergo four GAs within 1.2 years?

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Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

My brother is 29 years old with Down syndrome, and he is completely non-cooperative with dentists. He had nine teeth removed (two up and seven down) under general anesthesia. As three teeth were broken when the dentist was trying to clean them, they were removed.

Since my brother has no molars to bite on, my father decided to get him five implants done. Following consultation with seven different dentists, they stated that the treatment plan requires him to take general anesthesia (GA) four different times during a time period of 1.2 years. In my country, there is no alternative to undergo treatment for my brother except through GA. I want to inquire about two things:

1. Is there any alternative other than GA for highly uncooperative patients?

2. Do you think it is safe for my Down syndrome brother to undergo four GAs within 1.2 years? Is this very risky?

Answered by Dr. Bharat Joshi

Education:

MDS Periodontology

Professional Bio:

Dr. Bharat Joshi is a highly skilled Periodontologist with extensive years of clinical experience. He specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gum diseases and conditions affecting the supporting structures of the teeth. Dr. Joshi is dedicated to providing advanced periodontal care, including surgical and non-surgical treatments, to help patients maintain optimal oral health and achieve long-lasting, healthy smiles through personalized and evidence-based dental care.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I hope I can lessen your discomfort. Yes, conscious sedation can be a better option than general anesthesia. Talk to the concerned oral surgeon and get him treated under conscious sedation. Also, the complications associated with general anesthesia are the same in every patient, whether normal or Down syndrome cases. So in terms of risk and safety, go for conscious sedation (Nitrous oxide). Only oxygen levels are to be maintained; otherwise, it is better than GA.

Investigations to be done

X-ray.

Treatment plan

Conscious sedation.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Sneha Kannan
Published At March 8, 2021
Reviewed At February 23, 2024

Education:

MDS Periodontology

Professional Bio:

Dr. Bharat Joshi is a highly skilled Periodontologist with extensive years of clinical experience. He specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gum diseases and conditions affecting the supporting structures of the teeth. Dr. Joshi is dedicated to providing advanced periodontal care, including surgical and non-surgical treatments, to help patients maintain optimal oral health and achieve long-lasting, healthy smiles through personalized and evidence-based dental care.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Sneha Kannan is a skilled Dental Surgeon with expertise in providing general dental care, including scaling, fillings, and preventive treatments. She does oral surgery procedures such as extractions and minor surgical interventions. She does procedures in restorative dentistry, including crowns, bridges, and dentures. She is an expert in doing endodontic treatments such as root canal therapy. She is well-versed in doing procedures in cosmetic dentistry, including teeth whitening and smile correction. She can provide pediatric dental care for children’s oral health and preventive treatments. She promotes oral hygiene awareness and preventive dental practices.  

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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Education:

MDS Periodontology

Professional Bio:

Dr. Bharat Joshi is a highly skilled Periodontologist with extensive years of clinical experience. He specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gum diseases and conditions affecting the supporting structures of the teeth. Dr. Joshi is dedicated to providing advanced periodontal care, including surgical and non-surgical treatments, to help patients maintain optimal oral health and achieve long-lasting, healthy smiles through personalized and evidence-based dental care.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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