Many dentists offer sedation. However, the sedation they provide is conscious, meaning that it does not actually put patients to sleep. Sometimes, though, you will come across a practitioner that offers general anesthesia, which is true sleep dentistry. It can make you completely unaware of your surroundings. That might sound like a sweet deal, but is GA right for you? In this blog post, you will learn when it may be indicated.
General Anesthesia Is Rare
General anesthesia is the most powerful sedation dentistry option. In fact, it is similar to what is used in hospitals during major operations. Although it can be extremely helpful, it is rare in dentistry for a few reasons:
- It requires that dentists undergo extensive additional training, or that they partner with a qualified anesthetist.
- GA carries a greater level of risk than other forms of sedation, so it requires careful and constant patient monitoring.
- Most dental procedures can be successfully performed with lighter forms of sedation.
When Is General Anesthesia Used?
While general anesthesia is rare in dentistry, it is the best choice in certain cases. It might be right for you if:
- You need to undergo a particularly invasive or extensive procedure, such as the removal of impacted wisdom teeth or corrective jaw surgery.
- You suffer from an extreme fear of dental procedures, and lighter forms of sedation have proven to be inadequate.
GA may also be indicated when a patient has special needs that prevent them from being able to remain still and calm during a procedure.
Is General Anesthesia Right for You?
If you are interested in general anesthesia for your next dental procedure, talk to a qualified provider. They will consider factors such as the extent of your procedure, your level of dental fear, and more. Of course, they must also take your overall health into account. Certain conditions, such as some types of respiratory disease, can increase the risk level associated with GA.
After a thorough evaluation, your care provider can let you know which form of sedation they recommend for your unique case. You can trust that they will do all they can to keep you comfortable and relaxed during your procedure!
Meet the Practice
At Piney Point Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, our highly skilled oral surgeons offer multiple forms of sedation, including general anesthesia. If you are interested in learning more about how we create a comfortable and safe dental care experience, we invite you to contact our Houston office at 713-783-5560.