General Anesthesia and Sedation in Dental Treatments: Which One is Suitable for You?
Dental treatments can be anxiety-inducing for many of us. Factors like sitting in the dentist's chair, feeling pain, or procedures taking a long time can create fear and apprehension. However, nowadays, there are different methods available to reduce pain and anxiety during dental treatments. General anesthesia and sedation are two of these methods. So, what is the difference between these two methods, and which one might be suitable for you? Here are the details:
What is General Anesthesia? General anesthesia is a state in which the patient is completely asleep and unconscious. In this method, an anesthesiologist administers specific drugs to the patient, causing them to enter a state of sleep. As a result, the patient does not feel any pain and loses consciousness during the procedure. General anesthesia is generally preferred for long and complex dental treatments.
What is Sedation? Sedation is a method that creates a light state of sleep and relaxes the patient. In this method, specific sedative drugs are administered to the patient, causing them to be awake but in a relaxed state. Patients under sedation can still respond to environmental stimuli and do not feel pain. This method is usually preferred for short procedures.
When is Each Used? General Anesthesia:
Long and complex dental treatments Extreme fear and anxiety in children Disabled individuals Patients with a history of nausea Sedation:
Short procedures Cases where reflexes need to be controlled Patients with a fear of the dental chair Patients experiencing difficulty with cooperation Which One is Suitable for You? To determine which method is suitable for you, it is important to consult with a dentist or an anesthesiologist. The type of procedure, your specific situation, and your personal preferences will be taken into account to determine the most appropriate method.
Remember, every individual's needs are different. It is important to choose the best option to feel comfortable and safely undergo the dental treatment process.
How is General Anesthesia Administered in Dental Treatments? A patient undergoing dental treatment with general anesthesia will undergo specific tests and examinations recommended by the anesthesiologist before the procedure, provided there are no medical contraindications. The steps for the patient in the operating room are as follows:
The patient does not eat or drink anything for at least 8 hours before receiving anesthesia. The patient is informed about the process by the anesthesiologist or technician. The patient, in the operating room, is administered anesthetic drugs through an intravenous line or through inhalation. The anesthesiologist stays present during the procedure performed by the dentist, closely monitoring the patient's vital functions. Once the dental treatment is complete, the patient is awakened by the anesthesia doctor, and necessary checks are performed. The patient is taken to the recovery room, where the operating dentist conducts final checks, prescribes any necessary medications, and the patient is discharged on the same day.
