Dental sedation methods such as nitrous oxide sedation and IV sedation simply put you in a relaxed state; they will not cause you to actually fall asleep. On the other hand, general anesthesia can be used to keep you unconscious during your treatment. Is this the right choice for you? Below is some crucial information about general anesthesia and how you can determine whether you’re a good candidate for it.
What Exactly Is General Anesthesia?
General anesthesia is often used for invasive procedures where IV sedation would be insufficient. It can put you to sleep for the duration of your oral surgery. That way, not only will you not experience any discomfort, but you won’t have any memory of what happened while your mouth was being worked on. For your health and safety, your oral surgeon and their team will keep a close eye on your vital signs while you’re under the effects of general anesthesia.
Is General Anesthesia Right for You?
You may be a good candidate for general anesthesia if any of the following apply to you:
- You are planning on having a particularly extensive type of oral surgery performed.
- You have a health condition that makes it very difficult to sit still for long periods.
- You have an extreme case of dental phobia that can’t be controlled with other forms of sedation.
Note that general anesthesia is not recommended for those who are pregnant or struggling with specific respiratory conditions. Your oral surgeon will need to thoroughly review your health history and consider your current situation carefully before determining whether or not general anesthesia is suitable for you.
What Can You Expect from General Anesthesia?
If you plan on having general anesthesia administered, your oral surgeon will explain any special steps you will need to take to prepare for your appointment, such as not eating anything for a specific number of hours. When it’s time for the procedure to begin, the sedative will typically be delivered via a mask or an IV.
You will stay asleep during your treatment, only awakening once it has been completed. It should be noted that you will still be groggy after your procedure, so plan on having someone else drive you home and keep an eye on you while you’re recovering.
General anesthesia can be the key to helping you have a more positive oral surgery experience. If you think general anesthesia may be the right choice for you, speak to your oral surgeon to see what they recommend for helping you stay comfortable during your upcoming treatment.
About the Author
Dr. Jeff Lee went to The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center for a four-year residency in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. His Marietta practice, Muskingum Valley Oral Surgery, offers dental implant placement and other advanced treatments. He’s proud to offer general anesthesia to help his patients stay comfortable. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Lee, visit his website or call (740) 236-9392.