Dental anxiety is a common issue that prevents many individuals from seeking necessary dental care. However, avoiding the dentist typically causes problems that are painful and require invasive procedures. For certain dental treatments, patients may require or want general anesthesia.Â
Please note we may not offer this sedation dentistry service at our practice. If you need to see a dentist, schedule an appointment with our Spring Hill dentist, Dr. Robinette, at Dentistry By Design by calling 931-391-3089.
General anesthesia in dentistry involves the use of medications to induce a state of unconsciousness, allowing patients to be completely unaware of a dental procedure. This is achieved by administering intravenous (IV) medications or inhalation agents. While under general anesthesia, patients can’t feel pain, experience anxiety, or remember the procedure.
General anesthesia is typically reserved for specific situations, such as:
Multiple Procedures: When multiple dental procedures need to be performed in a single session, general anesthesia can save time and reduce patient discomfort.
When general anesthesia is used for dental treatments, patients can experience various benefits:
Time Efficiency: Multiple dental procedures can be completed in a single session, reducing the need for multiple appointments.
Before administering dental anesthesia, the team performs a thorough evaluation of the patient’s medical history, including any existing medical conditions, allergies, medications, and previous reactions to anesthesia. The dentist will discuss the patient’s dental needs, the complexity of the procedure, and the reasons for choosing general anesthesia.
A written consent form is typically signed to confirm the patient’s understanding and agreement to proceed with anesthesia.
On the day of the procedure, the patient will be advised to fast for several hours to prevent complications like aspiration during anesthesia induction. The dental team ensures that monitoring equipment, emergency medications, and airway management tools are readily available.
A highly trained anesthesia provider, such as a dental anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist, works alongside the dentist to administer and monitor the anesthesia throughout the procedure.
The anesthesia team is responsible for assessing the patient’s vital signs, ensuring a secure airway, and adjusting the anesthesia as needed to maintain the desired level of unconsciousness.
Before the procedure begins, the patient is typically given a sedative to help them relax and become drowsy. Once the patient is relaxed, the anesthesia provider administers the general anesthetic through an intravenous (IV) line or by inhalation through a mask.
As the patient loses consciousness, their vital signs are continuously monitored, including heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and carbon dioxide levels.
During the dental procedure, the anesthesia provider carefully regulates the depth of anesthesia to ensure the patient remains completely unconscious and pain-free. The patient’s vital signs are closely monitored throughout the procedure to detect any signs of distress or complications. The anesthesia team is prepared to make immediate adjustments if necessary.
After the procedure, the dental team provides post-anesthesia care instructions to the patient or their guardian. Patients may experience some grogginess, nausea, or confusion as they recover from the effects of anesthesia.
Dental implant procedures involving multiple implants or complex cases may be performed under general anesthesia to ensure patient comfort during the surgery.
Some children, especially those with special needs or extreme dental anxiety, may undergo general anesthesia for pediatric dental treatments such as extractions, fillings, or crowns to ensure their safety and cooperation.
When a patient requires multiple dental procedures, such as extractions, root canals, and restorative work, performing them in a single session under general anesthesia can be more efficient and comfortable for the patient.
Full-mouth restorations or extensive cosmetic procedures that involve multiple teeth may be performed under general anesthesia to ensure precision and patient comfort.
Procedures involving the correction of facial deformities, fractures, or reconstructive surgery of the jaw, face, or head may require general anesthesia.
While it can be safe and effective, there are risks associated with general anesthesia when used in dental treatments. Potential risks may include:
When it comes to the cost associated with general anesthesia, rates can vary between $400 to $1,000 an hour. The cost varies depending on the following factors:
Recovery times vary, but most patients regain consciousness within minutes after the procedure. It’s essential to have someone accompany you and arrange for transportation home. You may feel groggy for a couple of hours after your dental procedure with general anesthesia.
Yes, there are other forms of dental sedation other than general anesthesia. Alternatives may include nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral conscious sedation, and IV sedation. Talk to your dentist about your dental sedation options.
If you have questions or concerns about dental procedures and anesthesia, don’t hesitate to contact our dentist or an oral surgeon. We can provide you with personalized information and guidance tailored to your specific needs.
To schedule an appointment with our Spring Hill dentist, contact our dental office today by calling 931-391-3089. We’ll discuss our sedation dentistry options!
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