The department that has the authority to initiate all surgical procedures and manages this process is called anesthesiology and reanimation. During the operation, the monitoring of the person's general health and the protection of their life safety are carried out by this unit. Additionally, preoperative anesthesia is administered to the person by this department. Monitoring the vital functions of individuals receiving treatment in the intensive care unit is within the domain of anesthesiology and reanimation specialists.
It is the department in hospitals and other healthcare institutions tasked with ensuring the monitoring of conditions such as blood pressure, pulse, and respiration before and after surgery. Generally known as anesthesia, the resuscitation aspect of this department basically means bringing the patient back to life.
Resuscitation is a method applied to make a stopped respiratory or circulatory system functional and viable again. This method is important in terms of preventing complications developing before, during, or after surgery and protecting the patient's health. This department is of great importance particularly in terms of eliminating such potential problems that may occur during surgery, and he takes part in every stage of the surgical process.
What Should Be Done Before Receiving Anesthesia?
Before surgery, the patient and his relatives must be informed about the anesthesia procedure. During this time, the patient must be informed about potential complications that may arise and the anesthesia alternatives that can be applied.
Anesthesia is administered appropriately to the person taken into surgery; the patient is put to sleep using various anesthesia techniques to minimize the pain felt during surgery. At this time, medications are used at the dosage determined by the anesthesiologist.
He ensures that the person's vascular and airway remain open throughout the duration of surgery. While other specialists continue surgical operations during the surgery, this department controls and monitors the person's vital functions such as pulse and blood pressure.
In case of cardiac and respiratory arrest, a breathing tube is inserted and medical intervention is applied to the person. If the person's condition is severe, he is monitored in the intensive care unit. Along with these, apart from all these, this department works in cooperation with relevant specialists when necessary.
Which Diseases Does Anesthesiology and Reanimation Deal With?
Anesthesia is the name given to the technique of numbing the patient by administering medication with the aim of ensuring he feels the pain experienced during surgery at a minimum rate. There are basically 3 different types of anesthesia: general, regional, and local;
General anesthesia: It is applied by numbing the person's entire body and making him unconscious. General anesthesia is not applied in regional surgeries such as arms, legs, abdomen, in case the patient has breathing problems, and to those with heart and lung conditions.
Regional anesthesia: It is applied in surgeries involving a specific area such as an arm or leg, or the lower half of the body. It is preferred in hip-knee replacements, shoulder surgery, inguinal hernia, normal births, or cesarean deliveries.
Local anesthesia: It is applied to a smaller part compared to regional anesthesia before the surgical procedure. For example, local anesthesia is applied to minimize the pain that may occur in operations such as the removal of fatty cysts in the body. It is used in surgeries outside such small parts of the body.
In addition, individuals to whom anesthesia cannot be applied can be determined as a result of the anamnesis taken from the patient before surgery and the tests administered. If the tests show results unsuitable for administering anesthesia to the person, it is not correct to perform the anesthesia procedure. The resuscitation part of this department is tasked with performing cardiac massage. Cardiac massage is performed if the individual's respiratory and circulatory systems are not functioning.
Dental Treatments Under General Anesthesia
Dental treatment under general anesthesia is a safe and effective method that helps increase patient comfort in certain situations. In this method, the patient is completely put to sleep during the treatment, allowing him to complete his procedures without feeling any pain, suffering, or discomfort throughout the treatment. General anesthesia can be a suitable solution, especially for individuals who need long-term treatments, feel discomfort sitting in the dentist's chair, or experience anxiety and fear during treatment.
This method allows various dental treatments to be completed easily and comfortably for both adults and children. Additionally, the use of general anesthesia may be preferred for individuals with special needs to ensure that the treatment process passes safely and stress-free. Especially in situations requiring complex or long-term treatment, dental treatment performed under general anesthesia allows multiple procedures to be completed in a single session.
In Which Situations Is Dental Treatment with General Anesthesia Preferred?
Dental treatment under general anesthesia makes the treatment process easier in certain situations by increasing patient comfort. The following situations are the main ones where general anesthesia is preferred:
Fear of the Dentist and Anxiety
General anesthesia can be administered for individuals who experience a fear of the dentist or feel high levels of stress and anxiety during treatment. This method allows the treatment process to be completed in a comfortable and stress-free environment.
Long-Term and Comprehensive Treatments
Long-term and comprehensive procedures such as multiple tooth extractions, bridges, dentures, or implant placements can be performed under general anesthesia. Thus, multiple treatments can be completed at once, providing a more practical process for the patient.
Low Tolerance to Pain
General anesthesia can be preferred for individuals with a low pain threshold or sensitivity to local anesthesia. In this case, the patient is put to sleep throughout the procedure, allowing him to complete the treatment process without any feeling of pain or discomfort.
Individuals with Special Needs
The use of general anesthesia ensures that the treatment process takes place safely and comfortably for individuals who have difficulty staying still during dental treatment due to physical or mental disabilities.
Child Patients
Young children may not be patient, especially during long or complex dental treatments, or they may feel fear during the treatment process. General anesthesia helps children pass through the treatment process more comfortably in such situations and can prevent the formation of fear or stress.
Patients with Special Health Conditions
It is important to minimize stress during treatment for individuals with special health conditions such as heart conditions, respiratory problems, or blood disorders. General anesthesia can be preferred to ensure that individuals with such health conditions receive treatment safely. Anesthesiologists ensure safety by monitoring the patient's vital signs throughout the procedure.
Which Treatments Can Be Performed with General Anesthesia?
Various treatments in dentistry can be applied safely and comfortably under general anesthesia. This method can be preferred especially for painful, long-term, or comprehensive procedures. The following treatments are among the main procedures that can be performed under general anesthesia:
Tooth Extraction
Situations requiring the extraction of impacted teeth or the simultaneous extraction of multiple teeth can be easily performed under general anesthesia. Thus, the patient does not feel pain during the procedure, and the treatment process is more comfortable.
Root Canal Treatment
Root canal treatment performed to treat infections occurring in tooth roots may take longer in deep cavities or complex cases. Under general anesthesia, this treatment can be performed by increasing patient comfort.
Filling and Restoration Procedures
Filling and restoration procedures can be applied under general anesthesia to treat tooth decay and repair damaged teeth. Thus, the patient has a comfortable experience throughout the procedure.
Pediatric Dental Treatments
General anesthesia in children is preferred for procedures such as cavity treatment, tooth extraction, and preventive applications. This method allows children, especially those with a fear of the dentist, to pass through the treatment process more comfortably.
Dentures and Implant Applications
While applying dentures or implants to replace missing teeth, general anesthesia can be preferred for long-term procedures. This method provides convenience for both the patient and the physician during the treatment process.
Gum Surgeries
Surgical procedures performed to treat gum diseases can be carried out under general anesthesia. Gum surgeries can be performed without any feeling of pain or discomfort with general anesthesia.
Comprehensive Restorations
In patients whose overall dental condition has deteriorated, comprehensive restoration procedures requiring multiple treatments can also be performed under general anesthesia. These procedures can include various treatments ranging from tooth extractions to crown and bridge making, and can be completed in a single session.
Treatment of Other Special Cases
Treatments for special cases such as cysts, tumors, jaw disorders, and jaw traumas in the jaw region can also be carried out with general anesthesia. In such situations, general anesthesia helps increase both patient comfort and the safety of the treatment process.
What Should Be Considered Before and After General Anesthesia?
There are some important points that must be considered both before and after the procedure for patients who will undergo dental treatment under general anesthesia:
Before Anesthesia
- Hunger and Thirst: Before general anesthesia is applied, it is necessary for the patient not to eat or drink fluids for at least 6-8 hours. This increases safety by protecting the stomach emptiness during anesthesia.
- Medication Use: Patients who use regular medications must report these to his doctor. Since some medications may affect the anesthesia process, necessary adjustments can be made.
- Alcohol and Tobacco Consumption: Alcohol consumption should be avoided for at least 24 hours before anesthesia. Smoking can also affect blood flow, so it is recommended not to smoke before the procedure.
- Clothing Choice and Jewelry: It is recommended to wear comfortable and loose clothing on the day of treatment. Additionally, it is important to remove all jewelry to ensure safety and sterilization. This is beneficial in terms of providing comfort and hygiene during the procedure.
After Anesthesia
- Remaining Under Observation: Side effects such as dizziness and nausea may be seen after anesthesia. Therefore, the patient is kept under observation for a short time after the procedure.
- Resting: Since it may take a few hours for the effect of anesthesia to wear off completely, patients are recommended to rest after the procedure. Heavy physical activities should be avoided during the first 24 hours.
- Food and Fluid Intake: After the effect of anesthesia wears off, patients should be fed with light and soft foods. It is also important to avoid hot foods and drinks for the first few hours after the procedure.
- Driving: Since reflexes may be temporarily affected after anesthesia, driving should not be done on the day of the procedure, and being accompanied by the patient's relatives is preferred.
What Are the Benefits of Treatment with General Anesthesia in Children?
General anesthesia helps perform dental treatment in children comfortably and safely. The main benefits of treatment with general anesthesia for children are as follows:
Reduces Fear and Anxiety: For children experiencing fear during dental treatment, general anesthesia completely eliminates stress and anxiety, easing the treatment process.
Opportunity for More Comprehensive Treatment: General anesthesia allows multiple procedures to be performed at once in children. Thus, instead of several different visits, the entire treatment can be completed in a single session.
Painless Treatment Process: Since children do not feel anything during the procedure, they do not feel pain. This makes future dentist visits more positive.
Provides Movement Control: Young children may have difficulty staying still during treatment. Thanks to general anesthesia, the child falls completely asleep, and the physician can comfortably perform the treatment procedures.
Important for Long-Term Dental Health: Thanks to treatments performed under general anesthesia, children's dental health is protected at an early age, which helps prevent dental problems in later ages.
How Safe Is It to Perform Dental Treatments with General Anesthesia?
Dental treatment under general anesthesia is quite safe when performed by an expert team. As Üsküdar University Dental Hospital, we ensure the safety of every patient at the highest level with our anesthesiologists and experienced healthcare personnel.
Comprehensive Evaluation: Before treatment, our patients undergo a detailed evaluation, and their health statuses are analyzed. Thus, the anesthesia process is planned by taking the patient's general health status into consideration.
Patient Monitoring Devices: Devices used during anesthesia application continuously monitor patients' vital signs throughout the procedure. Thus, immediate intervention can be made in any unexpected situation.
Experienced Anesthesia Team: Dental treatment under anesthesia is performed only by our expert anesthesia team. This team continuously monitors the patient's response to anesthesia and ensures the safety of the procedure.
Are There Risks in Dental Treatments Performed Under General Anesthesia?
Dental treatment under general anesthesia may carry some risks, albeit rarely. However, these risks are minimized when managed by an expert team. Possible side effects and risks are as follows:
Temporary Dizziness and Nausea: Short-term dizziness and nausea may be observed in some patients after anesthesia. These effects usually pass quickly.
Respiratory Problems: Very rarely, respiratory problems may be experienced during anesthesia. For such situations, the anesthesia team carefully monitors all vital signs throughout the procedure and takes necessary precautions.
Allergic Reactions: Some reactions may occur in patients with allergies to anesthesia medications. Therefore, the patient's allergy history is carefully evaluated before the procedure.
Cardiovascular Risks: Anesthesia may carry certain risks for patients with heart conditions or blood pressure problems. The anesthesia team makes special preparations for such patients and makes the anesthesia process safe.
Dental treatment under general anesthesia can be a safe option when managed with proper preparation and an expert team. By minimizing risks, it can contribute to patients having a comfortable treatment process.
