How to Tell If General Anesthesia Is the Right Option for You

Not many dentists use general anesthesia as an option for sedation and pain management during dental procedures. While it has its shortcomings, this option remains the best for many patients seeking to use it for any dental procedure. When assessing its suitability, you need to consider various factors. This will allow you to decide whether to proceed with it or not.

General anesthesia works by rendering you unconscious or unresponsive during the procedure. You will therefore not be aware of the procedure as it takes place. If you are anxious about the procedure, you will not have to worry about it as you will not be aware of what is going on. Talking to the dentist is the best way to understand what it involves and its suitability for your condition.

In the event that you do not qualify to use the procedure or it poses a serious risk to your health, you can use other sedation dentistry options such as IV sedation and local anesthesia. You should, therefore, consider your options keeping in mind that you can always get an option that works for you.

Risks

General anesthesia comes with its own risks. Since it affects how the respiratory and cardiovascular systems work, it becomes paramount that you are aware of the effects it has on your body. If you are overweight, you suffer from diabetes, or you are allergic to some medication, you should be aware of the high risks involved. Other concerns lie with the patients who smoke and suffer from seizures. The risks involved in these cases are high as patients may react negatively to the anesthesia and die. In these instances, it is advisable to use other options that will allow you to get through the dental procedure.

Procedure involved

The procedure you are undergoing will determine whether general anesthesia will be the best option or not. Some complex dental procedures can be grueling and you need to be under for you to avoid the pain. Some procedures may require surgery, especially those that involve making a major correction to your teeth or other parts of the mouth. You will need strong anesthesia to keep you unconscious until the process is over. In such cases, the use of general anesthesia is appropriate. You will wake up just after the procedure is done.

The presence of dental general anesthesia allows your dentist to carry out some procedures at the dental clinic. This gives you better access to convenient service. This option is great if you really want to have the best oral health but you still suffer from anxiety or fear of dental procedures. You will get the procedures you need to maintain good oral health at all times.