At Campbelltown Dental Care, we understand that a trip to the dentist can be nerve-wracking, either due to the prospect of the procedure itself (whatever it may be) or as a result of previous dental trauma. Fortunately, we are your local general anaesthetic dentist clinic in Campbelltown that offers general anaesthetic as a safe and effective option for individuals who require it to ensure a comfortable and stress-free experience.

What is General Anaesthetic?

In contrast to local anesthesia, which only numbs a specific area of the body, general anaesthesia (GA) is a medical state induced in a patient to achieve a complete loss of consciousness and sensation during a surgical or dental procedure.

Essentially a medical coma, GA puts the patient in a state of total unconsciousness – where they remain completely oblivious to pain and can remain unconscious for several hours after the procedure. By Australian law, GA must be administered in a hospital, so any procedures that require GA are not performed at our practice.

Side Effects of General Anaesthetic

Though general anaesthetic might be necessary for your specific procedure, it’s important to be aware of the possible side effects of going completely under. These side effects can include:

Bruising or soreness at the insertion point of the IV drip
Dizzy spells
Drowsiness
Sore throat/dry mouth
Inability to pass urine
Nausea and vomiting
Some confusion and memory loss (often temporary and more prevalent among older people)

Please note that whilst these side effects can vary from person to person, most usually experience minimal to mild discomfort. It is also essential to note that it can take up to a week for general anaesthetic to leave your system, although the effects gradually wear off.

For safe GA dentistry services with a general anesthetic dentist, you can trust to facilitate a smooth and stress-free experience, make an appointment with the friendly staff at Campbelltown Dental Care.

How We Can Help

With our team of friendly nurses and expert general anesthetic dentists, we aim to make your experience at Campbelltown Dental Care as hassle-free as possible. This is because we understand the importance of providing a calm and relaxing environment for our patients. From the moment you step into our practice until the completion of your dental procedure, our team is committed to ensuring your peace of mind and oral well-being.

For the above reason, we welcome any questions or enquiries you may have. If you do, please let us know, and we’ll be more than happy to answer them and accommodate your needs to ensure a positive experience at our clinic.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any questions about GA, explore our frequently asked questions below or contact a member of our friendly team for more information.

What dental procedures require anaesthesia?

In Australia, the use of GA in dental procedures is typically reserved for complex cases, medically compromised patients, and pediatric patients who may have difficulty cooperating during treatment. Some dental procedures that may require general anesthesia include:

Oral surgery – This can include procedures such as impacted wisdom teeth removal and jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery).
Dental implant surgery – In some cases, dental implant placement may involve GA, particularly when multiple implants are being inserted.
Extensive restorative work – Extensive or complex restorative procedures that require a significant amount of time in the dental chair.

How is general anesthetic administered?

General anesthesia is typically administered through inhalation or intravenous (IV) injection. Inhalation anesthesia involves the patient breathing in a carefully controlled mixture of gases through a mask or breathing tube. IV anesthesia is delivered through a vein, allowing for precise control of the level of sedation. The choice of administration method depends on the patient’s medical history, the procedure, and the anesthesia provider’s recommendation.

What is the cost of general anaesthesia at the dentist?

The cost of general anesthesia for dental procedures can vary widely based on several factors, including the complexity of the procedure, the dentist or oral surgeon’s fees, and the type of anesthesia used.

Who can receive general anesthetic at the dentist?

The only individuals who receive GA at the dentist are those with dental trauma, anxiety, phobias, or those requiring complex procedures. It’s also used for patients with medical conditions that may necessitate sedation.