Sedation and General Anesthesia

In surgical operations, CT-MRI imaging procedures, dental treatments, and endoscopy-colonoscopy procedures, sedation and general anesthesia are used to prevent the pain that the patient might feel. Since their methods of application and effects are different, sedation and general anesthesia need to be considered separately.

Known as conscious sedation or monitored anesthesia care, the sedation process is used for short and uncomplicated dental procedures. In sedation, where anesthetic and sedative drugs are used, the patient develops insensitivity to pain. This can be characterized as a short-term amnesia (forgetfulness) state. Under the effect of sedation, the patient’s consciousness is clear, and they are not in a sleep state. Thus, the patient does not feel anxious or worried during the procedure.

Unlike sedation, general anesthesia in dentistry is preferred for more complex procedures. Some of these include implant treatments and gum surgery. Like sedation, the aim is for the patient to undergo a painless operation. Anesthetic drugs trigger an artificial sleep. The patient’s consciousness is completely closed off, and they feel nothing.

There are different levels of sedation dentistry that are shaped according to needs. The types of sedation mentioned vary depending on the patient’s preference, anxiety level, health status, and the scope of the operation. The most common sedation dentistry practices are:

• Anxiolysis (Minimal Sedation): This is a procedure that starts with the patient inhaling nitrous oxide, known as “laughing gas,” through a mask. The effect of the drug is observed in the patient within 3-5 minutes. The dentist adjusts the dosage of the gas during the operation and continues their checks. The patient can communicate and give normal responses during the procedure. At the end of the procedure, the patient is given pure oxygen to expel the nitrous oxide from the body. The effects of the gas end in a short time. The patient can go home on their own.
• Oral Conscious Sedation (Moderate Sedation): Sedative pills are given to the patient one hour before starting the conscious sedation process. Drugs such as triazolam, zaleplon, or lorazepam are preferred for adult patients. In pediatric dentistry, liquid sedations in syrup form are used. During oral conscious sedation, the patient may become groggy and fall into a sleep that is not deep during the operation. The patient can wake up immediately and continue to communicate. The application temporarily affects the patient’s motor skills and memory. Therefore, the patient should have an escort to take them home.
• Intravenous (IV) Sedation (Deep Sedation): This is a preferred procedure for difficult tooth extractions like wisdom tooth removal or in cases where the patient has a severe phobia or anxiety. Sedative drugs are injected into the patient through an IV line. The drug enters the bloodstream directly. An expert doctor monitors blood pressure, oxygen level, and pulse rate throughout the operation. The dose of the drug is observed during the procedure. In deep sedation, the patient falls asleep; when awakened, they have no memory of the operation.

General anesthesia in dentistry is ideal for patients with intense anxiety, dental phobia, or a strong gag reflex who cannot adapt to the operation process. It is also preferred for complicated procedures.

In the procedure, anesthetic drugs are administered intravenously. The patient falls into a deep sleep within a few seconds, and their muscles relax. Because the muscles are relaxed, artificial respiratory support is provided to the patient. Pure oxygen is given to the patient through intubation in the nose. After the operation, drugs that terminate the anesthesia are administered to wake up the patient. The effects of general anesthesia can last for a few days. These effects may include nausea, vomiting, sore throat, hoarseness, fatigue, and a feeling of coldness.

The primary purpose of sedation options for dental procedures and general anesthesia is to calm the patient and prevent pain sensation. This allows the patient to undergo a comfortable and safe operation process. The choice of method is entirely based on personal decision and medical evaluations. Therefore, being informed about these methods is important for making the right decision.

Minimal Sedation: It has a relaxing effect. Physical sensations are reduced to a minimum. The patient may feel sleepy. The patient goes through the operation process while awake. In dental procedures where the patient needs to be involved, they can easily adapt to the process. The patient’s cognitive functions may be minimally impaired.

Moderate Sedation: The patient feels sleepy during the procedure and may fall asleep. When asleep, the patient can be easily awakened. The patient’s consciousness is reduced due to the medication, but they can respond to verbal commands. The patient does not need respiratory support. As they are conscious, they can breathe on their own.

Deep Sedation: The patient does not lose consciousness but sleeps throughout the procedure. When awakened, they have no memory of the procedure. The patient feels as if they are in a dream. It is recommended if you have a severe dental phobia or are anxious about the procedure.

General Anesthesia: Patients do not react to stimuli and cannot respond to them. They experience loss of consciousness. Like sedation options, the procedure should be professionally administered by experts. During general anesthesia in dentistry, the patient is monitored by the doctor throughout the procedure. It is mainly used in oral and maxillofacial surgery.

Dental anesthesia techniques transform complex and long surgical procedures into an easy process for patients. People may even think that the procedures only last a few minutes. Completing the treatment in a maximum of 2-3 appointments is among the sedation dentistry benefits.

The side effects of sedation do not create a negative situation for the patient. Common effects like nausea, dizziness, or drowsiness disappear quickly. Additionally, the adverse effects caused by general anesthesia can be prevented with sedation. Since the effect duration is short, patients subjected to sedation can return to their normal lives on the same day, whereas the effect of general anesthesia can last up to 24 hours.

Apart from all these, sedation and general anesthesia are beneficial for the following people:

• Individuals who experience anxiety due to low pain tolerance,
• Those with a dental phobia,
• Those who are allergic to local anesthesia,
• Patients in whom local anesthesia is insufficient for pain control,
• Treatments requiring a series of operations,
• Patients with an exaggerated gag reflex,
• Patients who are unable to stay still due to physical or mental disabilities,
• Patients who are medically at risk, sedation and general anesthesia applications are used.

If any of these conditions apply to you, evaluating an option suitable for your situation will be beneficial. When discussing options with your dentist, it is critical to provide all details about your general health condition. Information about your surgical history, chronic illnesses, current symptoms (including undiagnosed conditions), and allergies must be communicated to the dentist. Additionally, if there has been a problem with sedation or general anesthesia in a patient’s family history, that should also be reported.

In addition to adult patients, dental anesthesia techniques should also be considered for child patients in certain situations. A dentist may recommend sedation to a child patient in the following cases:

• If the child is young and unable to adapt to the treatment process,
• If the procedure is long,
• In complicated surgical procedures such as cleft lip and palate syndrome,
• In child patients with dental phobia and anxiety disorders.

With dental anesthesia techniques, children can comfortably cooperate during the operation process, ensuring the safety of the operation.

In dentistry, undergoing a safe process with expert recommendations for general anesthesia and sedation applications is crucial. Certain key aspects should be considered.

The main points to consider in general anesthesia procedures are:

• Food and drink should be stopped at least 6 hours before the procedure. Water can be consumed up to 2 hours before surgery.
• Smoking should be avoided 24 hours before the surgery. Smoking can make the recovery process more difficult for the patient.
• The patient is examined by a specialist before the procedure. During this phase, blood tests and other examinations may be conducted if necessary.
• The patient should come to the procedure with an escort. The escort should take the patient home and stay with them for at least 8 hours.

In sedation dentistry procedures, there are also a few key points, similar to general anesthesia:

• The expert should evaluate the patient’s health history and sedation options. During this time, decisions on medications and supplements to be taken are made.
• No food or drink should be consumed 6 hours before the procedure, and smoking should be avoided.
• Routine medications should be continued unless otherwise indicated by the specialist.
• In case of any adverse reaction after sedation, reversal sedation procedures are applied to reverse the effects of the drug.

At HospitaPrime, safe anesthesia practices are conducted under the leadership of Dr. Eren Pera. You can discuss your queries about the procedure details with our doctor 24/7.

With the advancement of dental practices, even the most challenging surgical procedures become an easy process for patients. As a result, patients can comfortably go through the entire treatment process mentally. This not only benefits adult patients but also simplifies procedures for children, who can often find the treatment process daunting. Our expert doctors, equipped with latest technology, offer safe anesthesia practices for both adults and children.

At Hospitaprime, we provide comprehensive sedation and anesthesia options tailored to our patients’ conditions and personal preferences. We meticulously plan a comfortable treatment process for our international patients, ensuring every detail is carefully considered through our rigorous efforts.

In our clinic, we implement minimal, moderate, and deep sedation methods, as well as general anesthesia. We create the treatment plan together with our patients, paying close attention to their concerns and informing them about any topics they are curious about.

We primarily recommend various types of sedation for our young patients and those in need of routine dental treatments. However, sedation is not an ideal choice for patients with conditions such as sleep apnea, obesity, and claustrophobia, as sedation dentistry risks are particularly relevant for these patients.

For lengthy and comprehensive surgeries, we recommend the general anesthesia method. This is also suitable for our patients who have dental phobia or mental disabilities. It’s important to note that general anesthesia is not applicable to everyone. It is not suitable for individuals with neurological disorders, reflux disease, or allergic problems.

We conduct sedation and anesthesia procedures in our clinic within a framework of specific protocols, which we meticulously apply to ensure our patients’ safety. These protocols are implemented using high-quality drugs and modern equipment.

Our expert doctor determines the most suitable anesthesia method for the patient based on their medical history, current health conditions, and preferences. The doctor plans the effects that the chosen method will have on the patient, as well as the type and dosage of drugs to be used. During the operation, the patient’s vital functions are carefully monitored to prevent any possible complications and minimize risk factors.

In our sedation and general anesthesia practices, we always prioritize our patients’ vital signs. We monitor their condition during and after the procedure. In procedures like general anesthesia, where consciousness is suppressed, we closely examine parameters such as pulse, blood pressure, and oxygen levels. This meticulous approach ensures that our patients wake up safely. After the procedure, we check for any complaints from our patients. We conduct video call consultations to provide continuous support to our patients during their recovery process, ensuring they don’t feel alone.

Sedation and general anesthesia practices offer numerous advantages for patients, making them a significant part of modern dentistry. Sedation dentistry is popular due to its cost-effectiveness, ease of application, and the way it simplifies the treatment process, especially for routine dental treatments. For more comprehensive dental procedures, general anesthesia is the most appropriate choice.

At HospitaPrime Clinic, we offer transparent pricing policies for sedation and general anesthesia costs. The costs vary depending on the type and duration of the procedure. For detailed information about the procedures and their costs, don’t hesitate to contact us!