Dental treatment under general anaesthesia (GA) is considered safe when performed by trained professionals in the right setting.
Why Is General Anaesthesia Needed in Dentistry?
Not all children can sit still in the dental chair, especially if they:
- Are very young and cannot cooperate for long procedures.
- Have extensive tooth decay requiring multiple treatments.
- Experience extreme dental anxiety or fear.
- Have special healthcare needs that make routine dental care difficult.
In such cases, GA allows the dentist to complete all necessary treatments safely, in a single sitting, without causing trauma to the child.
How Safe Is General Anaesthesia?
Today, general anaesthesia is much safer than ever before. Here’s why:
- Specialist Care – GA is always administered by a trained anaesthesiologist.
- Pre-Assessment – Children undergo medical evaluation to check fitness for GA.
- Modern Monitoring – During the procedure, the child’s heart rate, breathing, and oxygen levels are continuously monitored.
- Quick Recovery – Most children go home the same day once they are fully awake.
What Happens on the Day?
- Pre-op instructions – Your child may need to avoid food or drink for a few hours before.
- Anaesthesia administration –Anaesthesia administration will be done by Anaesthetist.
- Dental treatment – The pediatric dentist completes fillings, extractions, crowns, or other necessary procedures.
- Recovery – Your child wakes up in a recovery room under observation before discharge.
Aftercare and Recovery
- Slight drowsiness, nausea, or sore throat are common but temporary.
- Most children resume normal eating and activities within a day.
- Follow-up with the dentist ensures proper healing.
Conclusion
Dental treatment under general anaesthesia is a safe and effective option for children who cannot undergo routine dental care due to age, anxiety, or special needs. With advanced monitoring, skilled professionals, and thorough pre-assessment, GA ensures your child’s comfort and safety during treatment. It allows dentists to complete all necessary procedures efficiently in a single visit, preventing fear or trauma. When performed in a well-equipped setting, general anaesthesia helps protect your child’s oral health while ensuring a positive dental experience.
