24
Mar
General Anesthesia Makes Complex Dental Procedures More Comfortable
Are you feeling anxious or even fearful about your upcoming dental procedure? We are patients ourselves, and we understand dental visits can invoke anxiety. Good news! You can enjoy dentistry again with general anesthesia in Manhattan Beach, California.
Imagine a dental experience where you sleep through your treatment and wake up with a brand-new smile! With general anesthesia at Beachside Smiles, Dr. Don Mungcal can help you achieve that.
What is general anesthesia?
Local anesthesia is the most commonly employed method in dental procedures, particularly for extractions, root canals, fillings, and crown placements. The dentist injects a numbing agent directly into the gum tissue near the treatment area. You remain pain-free but fully conscious during the procedure.
General anesthesia (GA) renders the patient unconscious. GA ensures you feel no pain or awareness during the treatment. General anesthesia is often used in cases where local anesthesia might be insufficient.
What can I expect from general anesthesia?
Here are the steps you can expect ahead of your general anesthesia procedure.
- Preoperative evaluation: This includes a full review of your medical history, pre-existing medications, current medications, and past reactions to anesthesia. This detailed evaluation ensures you are a safe candidate for general anesthesia.
- Preoperative preparation: Our team will give you instructions to follow before your procedure. We’ll ask you to fast at least eight hours before your treatment to reduce the risk of aspiration or nausea.
- Induction phase: The dentist will administer anesthetic medication intravenously. We’ll monitor your heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and other vital signs. Even when unconsciousness kicks in, we’ll continuously monitor your vital signs and adjust the anesthetic levels as needed for optimal comfort and safety.
- Surgical procedure: General anesthesia induces complete sleep. You’ll be unaware of the procedure as the dentist works on you.
- Recovery phase: After your procedure, we’ll transfer you to a recovery room and monitor you carefully as you regain consciousness. Any post-operative pain will be managed, and we’ll discharge you with post-operative instructions.
When is general anesthesia necessary in dentistry?
Our office offers nitrous oxide and local anesthetics to keep patients relaxed and pain-free during treatment. However, general anesthesia is necessary when you need deeper sedation or comfort.
Here are scenarios where we may recommend general anesthesia.
- Complex procedures: GA is commonly used for complex and lengthy procedures like wisdom teeth surgical extractions, placing multiple implants, jaw reconstructions, etc. These procedures require significant tissue manipulation, and GA ensures you remain pain-free.
- Extreme dental fear: General anesthesia will be excellent for patients with crippling anxiety or other conditions that make them unable to cooperate during treatment. GA puts you to complete sleep, so the dentist administers necessary treatment while optimizing your safety and comfort.
- Pediatric patients: Young patients cannot tolerate or remain still with local anesthesia alone. General anesthesia allows children to receive the necessary treatment without experiencing fear or distress.
- Patients with special needs: Individuals with special needs exhibit challenging behaviors that make conventional dental treatments difficult. GA induces a state of unconsciousness that enables the completion of extensive dental work in a single session.
General anesthesia near Manhattan Beach, CA
Don’t let fear hold you back from a healthy smile—experience stress-free dental care with our expert general anesthesia services. Call Beachside Smiles at (310) 643-6004 to book your visit. We welcome patients in and around Manhattan Beach, El Segundo, Lawndale, Hawthorne, West Chester, Inglewood, Lennox, Gardena, and Torrance.
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Dr. Don Mungcal
Dr. Don Mungcal is a highly regarded dentist based in Los Angeles, with over thirty years of experience. He graduated from UCLA, earned his dental degree with honors from the University of the Pacific Dental School, and was an instructor at USC Dental School. Dr. Mungcal's dedication to patient care has earned him recognition from the “Los Angeles Downtown News,” being named a Best Dentist in Downtown for four consecutive years. A respected member of the California Dental Society and other esteemed organizations, Dr. Mungcal actively participates in continuing education, staying updated on the latest advancements in dentistry.
Dr. Shanel Kashef, DDS
Dr. Shanel Kashef is a dedicated dentist from the San Francisco Bay Area, committed to delivering exceptional preventive and restorative dental care. With a bachelor's degree from UC Berkeley and a Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of the Pacific Dental School, Dr. Kashef combines her extensive education with over a decade of experience. As a member of the American Dental Association and the California Dental Association, she stays at the forefront of dental advancements. Her proactive approach empowers patients to achieve lifelong oral health and beautiful smiles, fostering trust and confidence.
