General Anesthesia

General Anesthetics are used only in cases in which the procedure or the anxiety of the patient warrants putting a patient completely under. General anesthesia is a controlled state of unconsciousness that eliminates all awareness, movement, and discomfort during the procedure.

Before the procedure begins, the doctor will take a complete health history, which will include all current medications, allergies, and past experiences with anesthesia. Anesthesia is usually administered in an intravenous (IV) line into the arm. Anesthesia is always administered by a Board Certified Anesthesiologist who has been specially trained to preform this procedure. While you are sedated, the anesthesiologist will monitor your breathing and heart rate.

After the procedure is completed, the anesthesia drugs are discontinued. Patients usually wake from anesthesia after about an hour to two hours. Common side effects caused by anesthesia after surgery are nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, sore throat, shivering, and sleepiness.

Candidates for Sedation Dentistry include people who have:

• High fear
• Had traumatic dental experiences
• Difficulty getting numb
• A bad gag reflex
• Very sensitive teeth
• Limited time to complete their dental care
• Complex dental problems
• A fear of needles and shots
• An aversion to the noises, smells, and tastes associated with dental care
• Fear or embarrassment about their teeth