Visiting a dentist is less frightening these days, thanks to advances in technology. No longer do you have to fear a trip to the dentist. Dentists can do more than ever to alleviate the fear and pain associated with dental procedures. One such option is general anesthesia. Suppose you’re frightened by dental procedures or must get extensive dental work. In that case, you may be a candidate for general anesthesia dentistry in Barrie.
General anesthesia may be an option if you’re having dental extractions, multiple crowns, or periodontal surgery that will take several hours to complete. General anesthesia is a deeper form of sedation and may be more appropriate for children, people who have difficulty holding their mouths open for hours, and those with severe dental anxiety.
General anesthesia is not the same as conscious sedation, another form of sedation used in dental procedures. With general anesthesia, you are asleep during the entire operation while you are still awake and aware with conscious sedation but in a relaxed state with diminished awareness. With general anesthesia, you enter a deeper stage of sleep and are unaware of your surroundings. You also feel no pain under general anesthesia.
During general anesthesia, your heart rate slows, and your blood pressure drops but not to an unsafe level. As your body relaxes, you lose conscious awareness and feel no pain or anxiety. An anesthesiologist or dentist trained in anesthesiology monitors your vital signs to ensure they stay in a safe and healthy range during the procedure. If you’ve ever had surgery in an operating room and slept while you were on the operating table, you’ve had general anesthesia.
How Does General Anesthesia Work in Dentistry?
There are two main types of general anesthesia: inhalation and intravenous (IV) anesthesia. Inhalation anesthesia delivers gases that you breathe into your lungs through a mask or facepiece. In contrast, intravenous (IV) general anesthesia infuses liquid medications through an intravenous line into a vein in your arm. In some cases, both intravenous and inhalation anesthetics may be used.
General anesthetics calm your central nervous system by slowing down nerve impulses from your brain to your body, including your muscles and organs. In response to anesthesia, you enter a state of temporary unconsciousness. While under general anesthesia, you don’t feel pain and aren’t aware of what’s going on around you. With the unconscious state general anesthesia creates, the dental team can work on your teeth and gums as you sleep.
Upon awakening from general anesthesia, you may feel dizzy and unsteady on your feet until the anesthesia wears off. Therefore, you will need help getting home after your surgery or dental procedure since you will not be able to drive. Some people feel confused, fatigued, or lightheaded for hours after general anesthesia, and you could experience a dry mouth or feel unusually cold. These effects usually subside gradually as the anesthesia wears off. Still, it may take a day or so until you feel back to your usual self.
General Anesthesia Requires Special Training
Only dentists with proper training can offer general anesthesia in their offices, like those at Dr Dove Dental Office. A dentist must undergo special training to deliver general anesthetics or have an anesthesiologist in the office who can give anesthesia and monitor its effects. The standards for doing this are high to ensure the experience is safe and comfortable.
Because dentists must meet rigorous training and certification requirements to receive a general anesthesia certification, you can be confident that you’re in competent hands. The staff at Dr Dove Dental Office can adjust the anesthesia, if necessary, to ensure comfort and safety. Additionally, dentists must follow strict guidelines for monitoring and maintaining patients during general anesthesia.
General Anesthesia is a Safe and Effective Option
You may wonder why general anesthesia would be used for dental procedures when local anesthesia and conscious sedation are options. General anesthesia is a suitable option for complex or time-consuming procedures that would be difficult to perform when a person is awake. Some dental procedures take several hours, especially surgeries that require extensive suturing. General anesthesia provides a more comfortable experience. You drift off to dreamland and wake up with your dental work complete. Some people prefer not to be aware of what’s happening during dental surgery.
Although general anesthesia is safe for most people, the dental staff will take a thorough history to ensure you’re a good candidate. If you have certain health problems, such as liver, kidney, or heart disease, you may not be a candidate for dental general anesthesia. You may also not be a candidate if you’ve had a reaction to general anesthesia in the past.
Fortunately, serious complications from general anesthesia are rare. Still, it’s essential to let the Dr Dove Dental Office staff know whether you have medical problems, are pregnant, or take medications or supplements. We’re here to help! The dental team at Dr Dove Dental Office can also explain other options available for sedation, such as conscious sedation. So, if you’re looking for general anesthesia dentistry in Barrie, we can help.
