Your Child’s First Visit to Snug Dental Center

Information about your first visit to our San Jose dental office.

Your journey with us begins when your child is referred by their general or pediatric dentist. This referral is made when the extent or complexity of your child’s dental needs would be best treated safely and comfortably under general anesthesia.

Once you have the referral form, simply call our office to speak with one of our scheduling coordinators. Our team will guide you through the next steps, complete a detailed intake of your child’s medical history, provide all required paperwork, and help schedule your child’s surgery appointment. We are always happy to answer questions and make sure you feel informed and prepared.

If you would like to meet with us before the day of surgery, we welcome parents to schedule a consultation. This visit allows time to review your child’s treatment plan in person, address concerns, and ensure you feel comfortable and confident moving forward.

From your first phone call to the day of treatment, our team is here to support you and make the process as smooth and reassuring as possible.

Pre-Operative Instructions

Once your child is scheduled to undergo dental treatment under general anesthesia. Please carefully read and follow these instructions to ensure a safe and successful procedure.

  • Arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled surgery time.
  • Allow a full day for the appointment; plan for no school or daycare after the procedure. If your child goes to school, the surgery will be cancelled.

  • To reduce the risk of vomiting and aspiration during anesthesia, you must not eat or drink anything 6 hours before your appointment. DO NOT eat or drink anything after MIDNIGHT the night before your surgery.
  • DO NOT give milk, formula, or any food (including gum, candy, or breast milk) after the fasting cut-off times.
  • If your child eats or drinks after the allowed time, the surgery will be cancelled.
  • We will call you 2 days before your surgery to instruct you on what time to stop eating.

  • Continue daily medications unless instructed otherwise by the doctor or anesthesiologist. Medications should be taken first thing in the morning with only a small sip of water.
  • If your child has asthma, please give breathing/nebulizer treatment at bedtime on the day before the procedure and 1 hour before your appointment. Please bring the asthma medication with you on the day of your surgery.

  • Dress your child in loose, comfortable clothing with short sleeves.
  • Please bring an extra set of clothes as general anesthesia can sometimes cause children to wet themselves if there is urine in their bladder.
  • Bring a blanket, favorite toy or comfort item if desired.

Contact our office immediately if your child develops:

  • Fever
  • Cough, cold, or congestion
  • Rash or signs of infection
  • Exposure to COVID-19, flu, or other contagious illness

DO NOT bring your child in for surgery if they are sick. It may be unsafe to proceed.

  • A parent or legal guardian must remain on site throughout the entire procedure. Be prepared to be at the office for 2-4 hours as surgery is unpredictable and can run longer than expected.
  • Legal guardians must bring proof of guardianship or custody documentation.

  • Your child will not be allowed to leave alone or by public transportation.
  • A responsible adult must drive your child home and monitor them closely for the next 24 hours.
  • All children should be in a car seat or if old enough should wear a seatbelt and be sitting in an upright position on their way home.

  • If you have any questions, or need to reschedule, please call us at: (408) 708-7315.

Surgery Day Expectations

We want your child’s surgery day to be as smooth, comfortable, and stress-free as possible. Because procedures under general anesthesia are often complex and unpredictable, we ask for your patience and understanding with the following important points:

  • The arrival time we provide is the time we need you to check in, complete any final paperwork, and prepare your child for surgery.
  • This is not the exact time surgery will begin. Surgery start times can vary based on many factors, including the length and complexity of earlier cases.

  • Each child’s needs are different, and procedures sometimes take more or less time than anticipated.
  • Emergencies or unexpected findings during a procedure may also extend surgery times.
  • Our top priority is always the safety and well-being of every child, and that means we will never rush care to stay on schedule.

  • We will keep you updated throughout the day if there are significant changes to the estimated start time.
  • Please plan for the possibility of being here for a few hours, even if your appointment is earlier in the day.
  • Bringing entertainment or comfort items can help make the wait easier for both you and your child. No food or drink items are allowed in the wait area.

  • We understand that surgery days require time and flexibility on your part. In return, you can trust that we will give your child the same level of careful, attentive care that every family deserves.