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An Overview of General Anesthesia for Dental Care
Admin • November 16, 2021
Dentists sometimes use anesthetics during dental treatments. Anesthesia minimizes pain, calms patients, and helps the dentist to administer treatment without patient interruption. Various forms of anesthesia are in use, including general anesthesia. General anesthesia is often the most extreme form of anesthesia. Below are a few things you should know about its use in dentistry.
General Anesthesia Is Rare
Dentists typically use local anesthesia, which only numbs the treatment area but doesn't affect the rest of your body. Your dentist may also prescribe sedation dentistry, which provides deep relaxation but doesn't make you unconscious.
Below are some reasons for general anesthesia rarity.
It Takes Time
General anesthesia is relatively more involving than other forms of anesthesia. For example, you need some tests, and you may require some time before waking up after the procedure. The time investment might not be worth some relatively simple and quick dental procedures.
Other Methods Are Safe
All forms of anesthesia are relatively safe. Your dentist will only use anesthesia if the benefits outweigh the risks. However, alternative forms of anesthesia are safer than general anesthesia. Thus, dentists reserve general anesthesia for cases where the alternatives are unsuitable.
It Is Not Necessary for Some Procedures
Most dental treatments are routine, noninvasive, or minimally invasive. General anesthesia is unnecessary or such procedures. You only need general anesthesia for complicated and invasive procedures, such as oral surgery. General anesthesia may also be necessary for uncooperative patients, young patients, or those who cannot benefit from the alternatives.
The Administration Requires Special Training
As mentioned above, general anesthesia's benefits outweigh its risks. However, the risks increase if an untrained person administers the anesthesia. Thus, general anesthesia administration requires special training in addition to regular dental training.
Your dental practice can only administer general anesthesia if:
- It has a dentist with training in anesthesia administration
- It has or can bring an anesthesiologist to help administer the drug
The person helping the anesthesiologist will monitor your vitals, such as heart rate and breathing, throughout the procedure. Thus, not every dental practice is equipped to offer the procedure. Confirm with your dentists about which types of anesthesia they use.
Special Preparation Is Necessary
You don't just wake up one day and get general anesthesia. As previously mentioned, your dentist needs to prepare you for the procedure. For example:
- You need tests to determine if the procedure is safe for you. For example, the dentist must confirm that you don't have an underlying condition that might react to general anesthesia drugs.
- You need to understand the benefits of risk of general anesthesia to make an informed decision.
- You should avoid food and drink some hours before the procedure (the dentist will specify).
Follow your dentist's instructions to the letter to benefit from the anesthesia and minimize your risks.
Special Screening Is Necessary
General anesthesia is safe for many people. However, like other medical procedures, your dentist must confirm your candidacy for the procedure before your treatment date. Some people can only benefit from the procedure with special precautions. For example, dose adjustment may be necessary for:
- Children
- Adults with special needs
- Adults who are older
- People with major organ problems, such as heart disease
- Women who are expecting a baby
- People with neurological problems, such as Alzheimer's disease
The special screening is one of the reasons your dentist should have your medical history.
Pittsburgh Dental Spa has practiced dental care for over 20 years. We understand that you might be apprehensive about anesthesia use during your dental treatment. We promise to explain everything to you and allay all your fears if you need the treatment. Contact us
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