We understand that many patients are somewhat apprehensive about dental
treatment, which is why we offer multiple types of sedation dentistry.
Nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, and IV sedation can all provide
relief from anxiety and help patients to feel relaxed. However, they all
allow patients to remain conscious. General anesthesia produces
unconsciousness and is the most powerful type of sedation available. We are
one of the few dental offices in our area to offer it.
What Is General Anesthesia?
General anesthesiology is a method of sedation that uses inhaled gases or
intravenously administered medication to make patients unconscious. When you
are under general anesthesia, you will be unable to feel sensations. You
will also not be able to respond to any outside stimuli. We closely monitor
patients while they are under general anesthesia in order to reduce the risk
of complications.
Who Should Receive General Anesthesia?
We do not use general anesthesia as much as we use our other sedation
techniques. However, we might recommend it for you if:
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You have an extremely high tolerance for other types of sedation, such as
the medicines that are typically used for oral conscious sedation or IV
sedation.
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You suffer from extreme dental phobia that makes you unable to relax
during treatment, even when you are sedated by other means.
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You are undergoing an especially extensive or complex dental treatment.
-
You do not have any health conditions that would make it dangerous for you
to be put under general anesthesia.
What to Expect with General Anesthesia
Here are some basics of what you can expect with general anesthesia:
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To prepare to be put under general anesthesia, you may need to stop taking
certain medications (for example, blood thinners) about a week prior to
your procedure. You also should not eat for the last several hours before
your appointment.
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During your procedure, you will not be aware of anything that happens. As
the anesthesia wears off, you will wake up in a recovery room. Mild side
effects, such as grogginess, are normal.
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The anesthesia usually takes at least 24 hours to wear off completely. You
should not drive during that time, so it is important to have a friend or
family member ready to take you home from your appointment.