General Anesthesia and Sedation

General Anesthesia and Sedation in Dentistry

Most procedures in today’s dentistry are performed with local anesthesia, and when it is not adequate, interventions can be carried out under sedation or general anesthesia.

General anesthesia is preferred in:

Patients with mental disabilities
Pediatric patients who are non-cooperative
Patients with severe anxiety
Interventions that cannot be completed in a single session with local anesthesia in a short period
A wide range of surgical interventions where local anesthesia is not sufficient

General anesthesia puts you in a sleep-like state in which consciousness and pain sensations disappear; short-term amnesia is induced by medications administered during sedation. While the patient may respond to commands during sedation, this is not the case with general anesthesia.

Sedation is recommended for individuals with mental disabilities, for short-term surgical procedures that cannot be performed with local anesthesia, for individuals with severe anxiety, for non-cooperative children, and for individuals who have a severe gag reflex. After sedation, patients will not remember sounds, pressure, or sensations during the treatment which may cause anxiety, especially for patients with a fear of dentists.

Sedation or general anesthesia is preferred depending on the nature, duration, and sessions of the treatments to be administered. This is determined by the dentist and anesthesiologists while considering the general health of the patient.

Following the planning of dental treatments to be performed with sedation and general anesthesia, the patient is evaluated by an anesthesiologist and a resuscitation specialist. Detailed medical histories are taken, including any medications used for maintenance, and the patient is further examined if deemed necessary to achieve the desired indication.

At the end of the procedure, the patient is discharged after a few hours of observation, unless the nature of the procedure constitutes a special case. The patient can return to his or her normal daily routine the next day.

Sedation

If you are anxious around a dentist, have a low pain threshold, develop a gag reflex during treatment, or require a wide range of complicated and lengthy dental treatments, sedation can be a good option for you.

Sedation eliminates fear and provides comfortable treatment. It also controls pain and eliminates anxiety. Since sedation can be performed in dental clinics, it is an effective, predictable, and reliable alternative to general anesthesia.

Sedation is the process of administering sedative drugs to induce a state of calm or relaxation. One way to administer sedative drugs is through intravenous administration. Intravenous sedation by an anesthesiologist is both effective and safe. You will not notice sounds, odors, or the needles used when you are under sedation. Even if your treatment is lengthy, you will perceive it as a fast procedure. Your dentist can complete different treatments in a single session, which normally requires more than one visit, such as dental fillings, extractions, periodontal operations, and dental implants.

Another advantage of sedation is that it provides relaxation in patients with Parkinson’s Disease and Cerebral Palsy, where movement control is impaired. When the patient is relaxed, their involuntary movements do not interfere with dental treatment. Additionally, some systemic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes can be exacerbated by emotional stress. Moreover, sedation is also very useful in controlling panic attacks.

With an anesthesiologist and appropriate equipment, you can overcome anxiety and fear of a dentist or undergoing dental treatments. All dental treatments can be easily and aesthetically administered, and a healthy smile can be achieved.