Dental treatment doesn't have to come with fear, tension or unpleasant memories. At AND Klinika, depending on the patient's age, health, the planned procedure and its duration, dental treatment can be carried out under intravenous sedation or general anaesthesia.
These methods are used for both children and adults. The dentist chooses the most suitable type of anaesthesia after assessing the patient's situation and discussing it with the anaesthesiologist.
What are sedation and general anaesthesia?
Sedation and general anaesthesia are not the same. The main difference is the depth to which consciousness is suppressed and the level of anaesthesia a specific procedure requires.
Intravenous sedation
Sedation is a medication-induced suppression of consciousness that helps the patient relax, reduces anxiety and makes them feel calmer during treatment. At AND Klinika, we use intravenous sedation – the medication is administered into a vein, and the depth of sedation is adjusted individually according to the patient's condition and the procedure being performed.
During sedation, the patient is completely relaxed, drowsy and less responsive to their surroundings, and under deeper sedation they may fall asleep. The depth of sedation is tailored to each patient.
Sedation can be used both for adults who experience severe anxiety or fear and for children who find it difficult to cooperate during treatment.
General anaesthesia
General anaesthesia, often referred to in everyday language as "being put under", is a deeper, controlled state of anaesthesia during which the patient loses consciousness and feels nothing of the procedure being performed.
It is chosen when, due to the patient's age, health, the extent of treatment or the duration of the procedure, sedation is not sufficient, or when it is safest to carry out treatment while the patient is asleep.
Depending on the planned procedure, general anaesthesia can be administered in different ways. For longer or more complex procedures, a laryngeal mask and controlled breathing may be used. This helps protect the airway and allows the patient's condition to be monitored throughout anaesthesia.
When is sedation chosen, and when general anaesthesia?
There is no single method that suits every patient. The decision is made individually, taking into account the patient's age, health, medical history, the planned treatment, its extent and duration.
Sedation may be chosen when:
- the patient has a strong fear of the dentist or significant anxiety;
- the patient finds it difficult to stay in the dental chair for a long time;
- the patient has difficulty tolerating treatment due to a low pain threshold;
- the patient experiences nausea during dental procedures;
- longer treatment is planned;
- more extensive treatment is to be completed in a single visit;
- a child finds it difficult to cooperate with the dentist.
The aim of sedation is to provide the patient with comfort and relieve the fear of the surgical procedure.
General anaesthesia may be chosen when:
- a child cannot be treated in the usual way due to their age or severe anxiety;
- extensive dental treatment is required;
- the procedure is long or complex;
- treatment could not be completed under sedation;
- the nature of the procedure requires a deeper level of anaesthesia and airway protection.
The final decision on the most suitable method is made by the doctor after assessing the patient's specific situation.
Treatment during sleep for children: when might it be needed?
For children, dental treatment under sedation or general anaesthesia is usually considered when treatment cannot be carried out under normal conditions or could cause the child significant distress.
For some children, even an examination in the dental chair becomes a major challenge. If many teeth are affected, treatment may stretch over numerous separate visits. In such cases, sedation or general anaesthesia can allow more extensive treatment to be completed in a single visit.
This matters not only for convenience. A shorter treatment process means fewer visits to the dentist, less of the stress that comes with them, and the opportunity to treat damaged teeth in good time.
Preparing your child for treatment
How parents prepare their child for the upcoming procedure is also important. Doctors advise talking about it calmly and simply, without creating additional fear.
Depending on the chosen anaesthesia method, the child may be told that they will breathe in some medicine through a mask, relax and fall asleep, and when they wake up, their teeth will already be fixed.
At AND Klinika, depending on the situation and the chosen anaesthesia method, parents may stay with their child until they fall asleep. This can help the child feel safer and calmer.
How many teeth can be treated in one visit?
One of the advantages of treatment under sedation or general anaesthesia is the ability to carry out more extensive treatment in a single visit. This is especially relevant for children who find it hard to stay in the dental chair for long. Instead of treating one or two teeth over several separate visits, the dentist can plan a larger scope of treatment for one session. This makes treatment more consistent, and the child doesn't have to go through the stress of frequent dental visits.
How is patient safety ensured?
During sedation and general anaesthesia, what matters is not only the patient's comfort but also continuous monitoring of their condition. At AND Klinika, an experienced team of anaesthesiologists monitors the patient's condition throughout the procedure using specialised monitoring equipment. Vital functions are assessed continuously, and if necessary, the depth of anaesthesia and other anaesthesia parameters are adjusted according to the patient's condition.
Modern anaesthesia is a controlled medical procedure in which the patient's condition is monitored from the start of anaesthesia until recovery after the procedure.
How to prepare for treatment under sedation or general anaesthesia?
Proper preparation is an important part of safe treatment. The anaesthesiologist provides the patient with precise recommendations, taking into account the chosen method and the planned procedure.
What you need to know before treatment under anaesthesia:
- do not eat for 6 hours before the procedure;
- do not drink for 2 hours before the procedure (until then, as instructed by the anaesthesiologist, clear fluids such as water or tea may be allowed);
- you must inform the doctor about any medications you take, your health condition and any significant illnesses;
- after treatment, the patient may still feel slightly groggy, so it is important that an accompanying person looks after them.
If the patient falls ill, has a fever, a runny nose or a cough, the clinic must be informed and the procedure rescheduled.
What happens after the procedure?
After sedation or general anaesthesia, the patient is monitored at the clinic for some time until they are fit to leave.
Drowsiness or tiredness may be felt after the procedure, so it is recommended to spend the rest of the day resting.
After treatment, a quiet day is recommended for the child: sports, swimming pools and other active pursuits should be avoided, and adult supervision should be ensured.
In each case, medical specialists assess when the patient can leave the clinic and provide further recommendations.
Is treatment under sedation and general anaesthesia suitable for adults?
Yes. Although this type of treatment is often needed for children, sedation can also be used for adults, especially when the patient is very anxious, afraid of dental treatment, or a longer and more complex procedure is planned. In such cases, treatment can be carried out more calmly, without tension and with the patient less aware of what is happening around them.
The most suitable method is always chosen individually.
FAQ
1. Are sedation and general anaesthesia the same thing?
No. They are two different types of anaesthesia. During sedation, consciousness is suppressed with medication – the patient relaxes and becomes drowsy, and the depth of sedation can be adjusted individually. During general anaesthesia, consciousness is suppressed more deeply – the patient is fully asleep and feels nothing during the procedure.
2. Is treatment under sedation performed on children?
Yes. At AND Klinika, sedation can be used for children, but the most suitable method is chosen individually based on the child's age, health and the planned treatment.
3. From what age can children be treated under anaesthesia at AND Klinika?
At AND Klinika, treatment under anaesthesia is available for children from 3 years of age. The most suitable anaesthesia method is chosen individually, taking into account the child's age, health, medical history, the extent of the planned treatment and the duration of the procedure. The decision on the specific type of anaesthesia is made by the doctor after assessing the child's situation together with the anaesthesiologist.
4. Is treatment under sedation painful?
Sedation is intended to suppress consciousness and reduce anxiety and tension. To control pain during dental treatment, local anaesthesia and other measures required for the specific procedure are used.
5. Can several teeth be treated in one visit?
Yes. One of the advantages of sedation or general anaesthesia is the ability to carry out more extensive treatment in a single visit, especially when the patient finds it difficult to cooperate for a long time.
6. Does the patient remember everything after sedation?
This depends on the depth of sedation and the patient's individual response. The level of suppressed consciousness can vary during sedation, so some patients remember part of the procedure, while others remember very little.
7. Can I return to normal activities immediately after treatment?
After sedation or general anaesthesia, the doctor's individual recommendations must be followed. Children are advised to rest quietly for the rest of the day and avoid active pursuits. Adults may also need rest and the help of an accompanying person after sedation.
8. Is modern anaesthesia safe?
Sedation and general anaesthesia are medical procedures, so they must be carried out after a proper assessment of the patient's condition and with continuous monitoring. At AND Klinika, the patient's condition during the procedure is monitored by a team of anaesthesiologists using equipment designed to monitor the patient's vital functions.
Treatment without fear – start with a consultation
If you or your child are afraid of dental treatment, modern anaesthesia methods can help make treatment calmer, more comfortable and stress-free. During the consultation, your situation is assessed and we discuss which type of anaesthesia would be most suitable in your case.
At AND Klinika, the treatment method is chosen individually, taking into account the patient's age, health, the planned procedure and its extent. Our team's goal is to ensure that the necessary dental treatment is carried out safely, smoothly and as comfortably as possible for the patient.
Book a consultation by phone at +370 650 19911, +370 650 63210 or online.
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