Did you know that approximately 10% to 30% of people have some level of anxiety or fear related to the dental office? This causes those with dental issues to delay getting treatment, worsening the problems, sometimes leading to additional discomfort. The good news is that there are various sedation options to help even the most anxious patients get the dental treatment they need. General anesthesia is the most powerful form of sedation available, but who is a good candidate? Read on to learn more about general anesthesia and when it is used.
How Does General Anesthesia Work?
General anesthesia is mostly used for major and minor surgeries in a hospital setting, but it can also be used for dental procedures. After the medication is administered, the patient loses consciousness, making them unable to feel sensations or remember the duration of the treatment. This way, the oral surgeon can complete the necessary treatment as efficiently as possible.
Who Is a Candidate for General Anesthesia?
This anesthetic is very powerful, so it isn’t ideal for everyone. It may be a good option or you if:
- Your tolerance for other sedation options is very high.
- Your procedure is especially complex or extensive.
- You have an extreme phobia of dental or medical procedures.
- You don’t have any health issues that could make general anesthesia risky.
What Precautions Are Necessary for General Anesthesia?
Since general anesthesia is so strong, your oral surgeon needs to consider precautions for those with the following.
- Special Needs: People with special needs require careful evaluation of the type and level of sedation that they need.
- Advanced Age: Older adults with certain health issues may need dose adjustments and careful monitoring during and after their surgery.
- Pregnancy: If you are pregnant, your oral surgeon will discuss your options with you to determine what is safest for you and your baby.
- Neurological Conditions: If you have a history of stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkingson’s disease, thyroid disease, or mental illness, there could be an increased risk.
- Liver, Kidney, Lung, or Heart Problems: People with issues regarding these organs may need dose adjustments because the drug may take longer to leave the body.
General anesthesia is very powerful, and it can be a helpful tool to help certain patients get the treatment they need. If you have a dental procedure coming up, you can discuss your sedation options with your oral surgeon to find out what is right for you.
About the Author
Dr. Hasnain Shinwari is a board-certified oral surgeon serving patients in the Dumfries community. After completing his initial dental education at the University of Peshawar in Pakistan, he moved to the United States and underwent additional training in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Boston University. He is a proud member of numerous professional organizations, including the American Dental Board of Anesthesiology. To learn more about general anesthesia or to schedule an appointment, visit his website or call (703) 574-4717.