General anesthesia

What is General Anesthesia

General anesthesia is a state of unconsciousness induced by medications to achieve a deep level of sedation, allowing patients to undergo medical procedures without feeling pain or discomfort. Unlike local or regional anesthesia, which target specific areas of the body, general anesthesia affects the entire central nervous system, resulting in a loss of consciousness, sensation, and memory during the procedure. This type of sedation can only be done in the hospital or at a specialist office, it is not offered in our office

When is General Anesthesia used?

• Complex Surgery: Extensive procedures like full-mouth extractions or reconstructive surgery.
• Severe Anxiety: When patients cannot tolerate treatment with other sedation methods.
• Special Needs: For patients with disabilities who may struggle to cooperate.
• Young Children: To manage extensive dental work in very young children.
• Emergencies: Immediate treatment for trauma or severe infections.
• Efficiency: Allows multiple procedures in one session, reducing the need for repeated visits.

How does it work

General anesthesia for dental procedures involves administering medications through inhalation to induce unconsciousness. This allows painless dental work with muscle relaxation and complete pain control. Vital signs are closely monitored throughout, adjusting anesthesia levels as necessary. After the procedure, anesthesia is gradually reduced, and patients recover under supervision until fully awake.

General procedure

Before moving forward with treatment under general anesthesia you will need a consultation to review all medical and dental history in depth. When undergoing treatment under general anesthesia, patients will have to fast beforehand to prevent complications. Vital signs are closely monitored throughout the procedure by an anesthetist, dentist and/or nurse. Anesthesia is induced via IV or inhalation , carefully adjusted to maintain unconsciousness. During treatment, anesthesia levels are monitored while dental procedures or surgery are performed. Post-procedure, anesthesia is gradually reduced, and patients are monitored until fully awake, managing any discomfort. Follow-up care ensures recovery is progressing well.

• Fasting: Confirm your individual eating, drinking and medication instructions with the dental team before your appointment. Follow the instructions provided for your procedure and sedation plan.
• Medications: Follow specific instructions from the healthcare provider regarding medications, especially those affecting blood clotting, blood pressure, or blood sugar.
• Clothing: Wear loose, comfortable clothing and flat, closed-toe shoes to the appointment. Avoid tight-fitting clothing, garments with metal fasteners and remove all jewelry.
• Transportation: Arrange for a responsible adult to drive to and from the surgical facility, as patients cannot drive themselves home after anesthesia.
• Health Updates: Inform the healthcare provider of any changes in health status, symptoms, illnesses, or medication changes since the last appointment.
• Additional Instructions: Follow any other pre-operative instructions provided, such as abstaining from alcohol or tobacco, getting adequate rest, and arriving punctually.

Will it hurt?

Receiving general anesthesia (GA) does not typically involve pain. It's administered through an IV or inhalation, quickly inducing unconsciousness and preventing you from feeling or remembering anything during the procedure. Muscle relaxation ensures you remain still, and anesthesia blocks pain signals to keep you comfortable. Throughout, anesthesia professionals monitor your vital signs closely for safety. Afterward, any discomfort is managed with medications as you wake up gradually.

What does the procedure look like?

• Medication: Anesthesia is usually administered through an IV or inhalation. The medication induces unconsciousness quickly and smoothly.
• Unconsciousness: As the anesthesia takes effect, you gradually lose consciousness. You won't feel or remember anything during the procedure.
• Muscle Relaxation: GA also causes muscle relaxation throughout your body, ensuring you remain still and aiding in the procedure's smooth execution.
• Pain Control: Anesthesia blocks pain signals to prevent you from feeling discomfort
• Monitoring: Throughout the procedure, anesthesia professionals monitor your vital signs closely to ensure safety and adjust the anesthesia level as needed.
• Recovery: After the procedure, the anesthesia is gradually discontinued, and you begin to wake up. You may feel groggy or confused initially.

How long does it last?

• Immediate Post-Procedure: After the procedure, GA effects wear off as anesthesia is stopped, and consciousness typically returns within minutes to hours.
• Grogginess: After waking from GA, you may feel groggy, confused, or disoriented for hours, influenced by procedure length and individual factors.
• Residual Effects: Post-GA, drowsiness and mild cognitive impairment can persist for hours. Have someone available for assistance and safety.
• Complete Recovery: Most patients recover fully from GA within 24 hours, influenced by age, health, and medications used.

• Fasting: Confirm your individual eating, drinking and medication instructions with the dental team before your appointment. Follow the instructions provided for your procedure and sedation plan.
• Confirm with your dental or anesthesia team which medicines to take before the procedure, including any diabetes medicines, and follow their instructions.
• NO alcohol, recreational drugs, or smoking of any kind for 24 hours before the procedure.
• You must arrange to have a responsible adult companion physically present in the waiting room during surgery and at the time of discharge to escort you home.
• Patients under the age of 18 must have a parent or legal guardian present at the time of surgery in order to give written consent.
• Bring a list of all medicines you are now taking with the doses, how often, and when you take the medicines.
• If you start to develop or have a cold, fever, or any other acute illness, call the office to reschedule the procedure.
• You may not drive, operate any heavy machinery or make any life altering decisions for 24 hours.
• Please remove jewelry, contact lenses and nail polish and/or false nails.
• Wear loose fitting clothes, slacks and short sleeves, a minimum of make-up, avoid high heels.
• If you have any further questions, please contact the office.

Emergency

If you have concerns, call the office. Your treatment is not complete until you are comfortable and healing is well established. The office can be reached by phone at (519) 763 1488

Pain

Pain may increase for 2 days following surgery before starting to subside. Do not drink alcohol, or drive whilst taking prescribed painkillers.

Sore Throat

A sore throat or bloody nose is normal after having general anesthetic. It is caused by the breathing tubes used during intubation. Advil or Tylenol may be taken to decrease the pain.

Nausea or Vomiting

This may occur in the first few hours following surgery as a side effect from the general anesthetic. Most patients have minimal to no symptoms, although some may have prolonged periods of gastritis.

Diet and Fluids

It is important to drink at least 8 glasses of fluid a day once the recovery nurses have agreed it is safe to do so. Fluids intake may consist of water, non acidic fruit juices or flat ginger ale. It is best to avoid very hot drinks until the day after surgery.

In General

The drugs administered for general anesthetic may remain in your system for 72 hours following surgery. For this reason you are not able to drive following your surgery, and must remain rested for 48 hours. You must also use caution when using the stairs.

Emergency

If you have concerns, please call the office. Your child’s treatment is not complete until your child is comfortable and healing is complete. The office can be reached by phone at (519) 763-1488

Pain

You can use over-the-counter children’s pain medication for slight discomfort and sensitivity. If pain increases or does not decrease please contact the office.

Sore Throat

A sore throat and bloody nose is normal following general anesthetic and is caused by the breathing tubes placed during intubation

Nausea or Vomiting

May occur following surgery. Most children have minimal to no symptoms but prolonged gastritis may occur

Diet and Fluids

It is important for children to drink plenty of fluids once the recovery nurses have told you it is safe to do so. Fluids may consist of water, non acidic juices or flat ginger ale

Extractions

Most extractions involve minimal injury and produce mild pain, however if your child is experiencing pain following surgery you can provide children over the counter pain medication. Follow your child's extraction instructions and contact the office if you have concerns about bleeding. Avoid having your child spit or drink through straws as this can disrupt the healing process.

Stainless Steel Crowns

There should be minimal pain or swelling with stainless steel crowns. Treat the crown like a normal tooth with daily brushing and flossing. The crowns will fall out with the baby tooth. If the crown comes off the tooth prematurely it may be recemented providing there is no decay or issue with supporting tooth

General Care

The drugs administered for general anesthetic may remain in your system for 72 hours following surgery. For this reason, children must remain rested for 24 hours following surgery, and extra caution must be taken when using the stairs.