SEDATION DENTISTRY / CLINIC – is it possible to perform dental treatment under general anaesthesia or is this just false advertising?
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Dental treatment under general anaesthesia is definitely possible, but may not be the best treatment for your mouth, as general anaesthesia is not a panacea!
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Many of the materials used in dentistry take up to 24 hours to dry before treatment can be continued. Under general anaesthesia some of these steps may can be skipped. This may result in loose crowns or roots years later.
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A responsible dentist will of course inform you of these risks – any dentist who promises perfect work while you sleep is not acting responsibly.
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General anaesthesia is the best method for surgery such as
- Removal of cysts
- Extensive surgery on the palatal ridge
- Multiple tooth extraction
These “”bloody”” procedures can best be performed under general anaesthesia. But the actual general treatment should be performed in many separate sessions. This is the only way to ensure that you as a patient are well informed and can adjust your habits accordingly.
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Sometimes you may hear the term half-sleep, or sedation, but general anaesthesia is general anaesthesia, no matter what you call it, and the medicines used are always the same! A respiratory device as well as monitors for the heart, oxygen levels and circulation should always be used. General anaesthesia without intubation and technical monitoring can be very dangerous!
