Anesthesia
Many people are afraid of dental treatment and request general anesthesia. In fact, general anesthesia is not necessary for dental and implant procedures. However, fear is a powerful force; and Why not make the procedures more pleasant?
The calm, stress-free state created by conscious sedation helps ensure that your dental treatment is as pleasant as possible.
At the Halász Clinic, we do not perform traditional anesthesia because that method is dangerous. That is why we use the safer INTRAVENOUS AWAKE SEDATION We have implemented this procedure. We have state-of-the-art technology at our disposal. During intravenous sedation, the medication is administered through an intravenous catheter into a vein on the back of the hand.
This form of sedation is accompanied by amnesia; the patient’s state of consciousness is mildly altered, gag reflexes are preserved, and the patient is able to understand and follow verbal instructions. With conscious sedation—unlike general anesthesia—your dentist can immediately and accurately have you perform the necessary bite tests, occlusal height checks, or impressions during procedures such as restorations, fillings, and polishing.
It reduces anxiety and the associated symptoms that may pose a potential risk. It prevents pain and discomfort from occurring. It facilitates the smooth conduct of medical procedures. During the procedure, we continuously monitor the patient’s heart rate and oxygen levels; we measure the patient’s blood pressure before and after treatment using a blood pressure cuff. During anesthesia, a clear airway is maintained at all times, and spontaneous breathing and the ability to swallow are adequate.
Furthermore, our anesthesiologist does more than just administer anesthesia or sedation; under his or her supervision, we can also perform procedures on patients with more serious underlying medical conditions.
You must request that a procedure be performed under anesthesia, as our clinic does not specifically recommend it; the base fee and time required for our services do not include the option of anesthesia, so you must let us know of this request during your initial consultation.
What You Need to Know Before Anesthesia
Please do not eat for at least 4 hours before sedation begins, and do not drink any liquids for at least 2 hours beforehand. Patients undergoing sedation arrive at the dental office individually, following a prior consultation. Before sedation begins, the medical history form and the informed consent form are completed. Based on the medical history form and the verbal consultation, our anesthesiologist reviews the patient’s past medical history and medication use. Following this, our anesthesiologist performs a basic physical examination to assess the patient’s current condition. If any acute or chronic conditions that contraindicate sedation are identified, the anesthesiologist informs both the patient and the dentist. The anesthesiologist performing the sedation will provide the patient with detailed information about the expected course of treatment and possible complications.
What to Do and What to Know After Anesthesia
Once the procedure is complete, further observation will take place in accordance with legal requirements. After an uneventful observation period, the patient may leave accompanied by a responsible adult; driving is not permitted following anesthesia. Upon returning home, we recommend that the patient avoid overexertion and rest as much as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions About Anesthesia
When is it advisable to request treatment under general anesthesia?
At the Halász Clinic, we primarily recommend general anesthesia for patients who are apprehensive about the procedure; for longer treatments; for patients with a gag reflex; or when the patient is unable to keep their mouth open sufficiently while awake. It can also be helpful in cases of “patience issues,” or if repeated procedures or postponements were necessary due to the patient becoming “agitated.”.
What types of procedures can be performed under general anesthesia?
Virtually any treatment; however, we recommend this only when it is truly warranted.
When do we not recommend sedation?
Although anesthesia is a safe procedure, it is not recommended for everyone. During the consultation and before the anesthesia, it is important that you provide our doctors with comprehensive information about your health, as they will determine whether the procedure can be performed. You must disclose any existing medical conditions, medications you take regularly, and whether you are pregnant or might be pregnant.
