I have always envied those around me who seem to always have perfect smiles without even trying, because I feel like I was born with "bad teeth." While my teeth are in great shape now, it is only because I take great care to visit the dentist every six months for a check-up and cleaning and maintain good oral hygiene habits at home. While I used to get a lot of cavities, even though I thought I was doing "everything right" to keep them away, I am proud to say that I have been cavity-free for a couple of years now! I put a lot of research into what daily habits can wreak havoc on my teeth, and I thought it would be a shame not to share what has helped me with others who need the advice. I plan to post many oral health tips on my new blog!
The majority of dental surgeries are done while the patient is either still fully awake or is in a state of "twilight," where they slip in and out of consciousness. One of these options usually works well for most people, because these methods manage both pain and anxiety. However, there are some cases where the common sedation methods simply aren't enough. A full anesthesia that puts the patient to sleep for the duration of the operation may be the answer. Read on to find out whether your upcoming surgery falls into one of these categories.
Extreme Dental Phobia
Some people have dental phobia that is so severe as to be nearly crippling. Severe dental phobia can keep people from getting not only routine dental care, but also from having dental surgeries that are essential.
In cases like this, the dentist may consider performing a dental surgery under full anesthetic. The anesthetic must be administered by an anesthesiologist, thus it is typically done in a hospital setting. Most dentists prefer to reserve full anesthesia for only the most severe cases of dental phobia that simply can't be managed with anti-anxiety medications and mild sedation.
Major Dental Surgery
There are several major dental surgeries that are complicated enough to warrant the use of general anesthesia. In any case where a highly complex dental adjustment, reconstruction, or removal is necessary, the pain level may be so significant that it is best if the patient sleeps through the surgery. The kinds of dental surgery that often warrant the use of general sedation include:
Jaw Reconstruction
Joint Correction for Temporomandibular Disorders like TMJ
Wisdom Teeth Removal For Severely Impacted Teeth
When general anesthesia is used for operations like those mentioned above, a short hospital stay may be necessary. Patients will need to remain in the hospital until they have fully awakened from the general anesthesia. In some cases, this may mean an overnight stay, but this will vary according to the dentist's recommendations and the complexity of the surgery.
Other Medical Conditions
Some dental patients suffer from other medical conditions that make the use of other types of sedation impossible. For example, the NItrous Oxide that is commonly used in both fully awake and twilight dental sedations can be dangerous for patients suffering from any type of pulmonary disease or lung problems. However, general anesthesia is usually safe for these patients.
For this reason, it is extremely important that dental patients tell their dentist about all medical conditions and problems prior to any dental surgery to prevent any potentially dangerous anesthesia reactions. Talk to your dentist about whether general anesthesia might be the best sedation method for your upcoming surgery.
To learn more, contact a dental office like Panther Hollow Dental Lodge.
Share7 October 2015
