While you may have heard of sedation dentistry methods like nitrous oxide (i.e. laughing gas), sometimes these services are not enough to help patients stay calm and collected throughout their treatment. That’s where general anesthesia can make a huge difference. If you are unfamiliar with this method but want to learn more, keep reading. Not only could it make your patient experience better, but it could ensure important treatments you need to have completed are possible.
What is General Anesthesia?
In the simplest terms, general anesthesia is a state of unconsciousness where you do not remember or feel anything during a procedure. It’s typically given ahead of surgery and is administered by an anesthesiologist, which is an expert in providing this service. Their role involves monitoring you from the moment the treatment begins to after it’s finished. That way, they can ensure you are safe during the entirety of the surgery as well as once you wake up.
Keep in mind that this type of sedation is not typically offered in dental offices. However, oral surgery practices will often provide it, making them the exception.
How Does General Anesthesia Work?
On the day of your surgery, the oral surgeon will confirm that you are healthy and ready to receive general anesthesia. There are a number of ways that the sedative can be administered. For example, it can be received through a breathing mask, intravenously (i.e. directly into the bloodstream), or via an injection. After you are put to sleep, an IV is placed if it has not been done already and an endotracheal tube is inserted. Think of this component as a snorkel that allows regular breathing and protects the airway while dental work is performed.
During your treatment, you will be asleep. However, you will not dream like you would typically. You also will not wake up right away after your treatment is complete. Instead, the oral surgeon and their support staff will be with you until it is time for you to wake up.
Are You a Candidate for General Anesthesia?
While general anesthesia is not typically utilized in dental settings outside of oral surgery, there are many types of candidates that can benefit from this option. Those who have one or more of the following may want to consider general anesthesia for future dental treatment:
- Large or extensive amounts of surgery to complete
- Patients with special healthcare needs (i.e. autism or other cognitive disorders)
- Uncooperative, difficult, or extremely fearful patients
- Young patients who will not cooperate
- Those who cannot get relief through other sedation options
If you believe that general anesthesia may be right for you or another loved one, get in touch with an oral surgeon today and learn more about your options!
About South Florida Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
The oral surgeons of South Florida Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery are all certified by the Florida Board of Dentistry for General Anesthesia. They are trained to make your oral surgery as comfortable as possible from start-to-finish. To learn more about the many sedation options they offer, including general anesthesia, you can contact them through their website.