General anesthesia is available for all types of oral surgery. A patient may opt for general anesthesia for simple procedures depending on their level of anxiety. Most people who have their wisdom teeth removed or have a dental implant placed will opt for general anesthesia. General anesthesia is the only true sleep dentistry option.
Under general anesthesia, patients remain completely unconscious throughout the treatment process. This ensures total comfort and relaxation, even during the most advanced oral surgery. For your safety, your vital signs will be closely monitored throughout your treatment, and if you are at greater risk of complications, we may recommend that you have the procedure performed in a hospital. When you think of “having him put to sleep for surgery,” it's general anesthesia.
This type of anesthesia uses intravenous sedatives, such as intravenous sedation, but it produces a deeper anesthesia experience without remembering the procedure itself. This method is often used for more intensive procedures, such as the removal of an impacted wisdom tooth, the placement of dental implants, or any larger oral surgical procedure. The dentist will give you sedative medications before starting the procedure. You will continue to receive local anesthesia to numb your teeth and gums, but the dentist will usually do this once you are comfortable with the sedatives.
General anesthesia is what is commonly known as putting you to sleep during a procedure. It is generally used for longer and more complicated procedures, such as the removal of impacted wisdom teeth or the placement of dental implants. If the thought of going to the dentist is scary or anxious, dentistry with sedation can help you get the care you need for long-term oral health. That's why it's important to review your medical history with your dentist and oral surgeon before any operation.
This can prevent them from undergoing regular checkups and cleanings, which harms their oral and general health. However, if you've been given oral or intravenous sedatives, you'll need to wait at least a full day before returning to work or school. Review studies show that, while intravenous sedation is slightly riskier, sedation is safe for ambulatory oral surgery. Most people who receive IV sedation fall asleep and have little or no memory of the treatment when they wake up.
People who choose conscious oral sedation or intravenous sedation usually need about 24 hours to fully recover. Studies show that local, sedation, and general anesthesia methods for oral surgery are safe and help patients feel comfortable. Whether you're a redhead, a child, an older adult, or a person with underlying medical problems, local anesthesia, sedation, and general anesthesia can reduce pain and help you perform the cleanings and dental treatments you need to maintain your oral health. Before starting your surgical treatment plan, your oral surgeon will discuss your options, explain the benefits and potential disadvantages, and help you find the best sedative option.
If you've been given oral or intravenous sedation, you'll have to wait a full 24 hours before driving again. For those patients who want to improve their comfort during oral surgery, but who do not necessarily need full anesthesia, there are other, milder forms of sedation. Because oral sedation temporarily affects memory and motor skills, you'll need a friend or family member to drive you home after the procedure. The oral medication method generally requires patients to take anti-anxiety pills, such as Valium, Halcion, or Ativan, to achieve conscious sedation.
However, studies show that oral anesthesia given by dentists and oral surgeons in offices is safe and helps alleviate patients' anxiety about pain during dental procedures. .
