Your child, or you, needs dental treatment under general anaesthetic. The idea sounds alarming. Here is when a GA is actually used in dentistry and what the process actually involves.
When Is General Anaesthetic Used in Dentistry?
General anaesthetic is used when dental treatment cannot be done safely with just local numbing. Young children who need multiple fillings or extractions often cannot cooperate long enough for complex work. Some patients with learning disabilities, severe anxiety, or medical conditions also need GA for their safety.
It is also used for major surgical procedures, removing impacted wisdom teeth, jaw reconstruction, or treating severe facial infections. In these cases, GA is not about fear of the dentist. It is about performing complex work that would be unsafe or impossible with the patient awake.
Is General Anaesthetic Safe?
GA in dentistry is very safe when given by a qualified anaesthetist in an appropriate setting. Dental hospitals and specialist centres perform thousands of GA procedures every year. The risks are low, especially when the patient is healthy and follows pre-operative instructions.
Your medical history will be reviewed before the procedure. Tell your dental team about all medications, allergies, and any recent illnesses. Following fasting instructions is essential. Your stomach must be empty before GA.
What Happens Before the Procedure?
You will have a pre-assessment appointment where the team checks your health and explains what will happen. This is your chance to ask questions. For children, you can usually stay with them until they go to sleep.
You will be asked not to eat or drink for several hours beforehand. Wear loose, comfortable clothing. Remove any jewelry or contact lenses. The dental team will give you specific instructions. Follow them carefully.
What Happens During the Procedure?
A thin tube goes into a vein to deliver the anaesthetic medication. You fall asleep within seconds. The anaesthetist monitors your heart rate, breathing, and oxygen levels throughout. You will not feel anything or be aware of the dental work happening.
For children, parents are usually asked to wait in a designated area. The procedure itself is often shorter than you would expect. Many GA dental appointments are over within an hour or two.
What Happens After Waking Up?
You wake up in a recovery area with the dental team watching over you. There can be discomfort as the anaesthetic wears off, but pain relief is given. The mouth will be swollen and may bleed slightly. This is normal.
You will not be discharged until you are fully awake and stable. Arrange for someone to take you home. You cannot drive after GA. Rest at home for the rest of the day. Children are usually back to normal within a day or two.
Aftercare at Home
Follow the soft food and pain relief instructions given by the dental team. Rinse gently with salt water after 24 hours to help healing. Avoid hot drinks and hard foods until the numbness wears off completely.
If bleeding increases, you develop a fever, or pain worsens after a few days, call the dental team or your GP. These are rare, but it is important to monitor how you feel.
General anaesthetic sounds frightening, but for those who need it, it is a safe way to get essential dental treatment. If you are worried, talk to the dental team. They have guided many patients through the process and are happy to explain everything.
Call 01323 723757 or book at www.meadsdental.com
Meads Village Dental Practice