General Anaesthesia
At DENTL, we believe that dental care should be as comfortable as possible. Nestled in the heart of East Melbourne, our practice is designed with patient comfort in mind, and for patients who need it, we offer in-house general anaesthesia as an option for managing anxiety and discomfort during dental procedures.
With our specialist anaesthetist and nursing team on-site, you’ll be supported throughout the entire procedure.
Drift into Peaceful Slumbers with General Anaesthesia
General anaesthesia in dentistry allows suitable patients to be fully unconscious during their procedure, with no awareness of the dental work being performed. At DENTL, we use this option for complex procedures or for patients with significant dental anxiety, providing a high level of comfort and support from start to finish.
Suitability for general anaesthesia depends on individual health factors and is assessed during your consultation.
Benefits of General Anaesthesia
What General Anaesthesia Can Offer
- Complete Comfort During Treatment: General anaesthesia allows you to be fully unconscious during your procedure, with no awareness of treatment being carried out. This can be particularly suitable for patients with significant dental anxiety or low tolerance for in-chair procedures.
- Suitable for Extensive Procedures: For patients who need multiple treatments completed, general anaesthesia allows more to be addressed in a single visit, reducing the number of separate appointments required.
- Efficient Treatment: More treatment can often be completed in one session under general anaesthesia, which may be appropriate for patients with complex treatment needs.
- Specialist Support Throughout: Our specialist anaesthetist and nursing team monitor your vitals closely throughout the procedure, supporting your safety and wellbeing from administration through to recovery.
Considering general anaesthesia? Book a consultation with our East Melbourne team to discuss whether this option is appropriate for your situation.
How We Ensure Your Safety and Comfort
Your Comfort is Our Priority, Every Step of the Way
1.
Pre-Treatment Consultation: We begin with a thorough discussion of your needs, health history, and treatment plan. Our team is here to answer your questions and make sure you feel informed before proceeding.
2.
Day of Procedure: Arrive at our welcoming clinic where our team will greet you and guide you through each step of the process.
3.
Administration of Anaesthesia: You’ll be administered general anaesthesia under the care of our specialist anaesthetist, who monitors your vitals throughout the procedure.
4.
Dental Treatment: While you’re under anaesthesia, our clinical team will carry out your treatment with precision and care, according to your agreed treatment plan.
5.
Recovery: You’ll recover in our dedicated recovery area under observation from our nursing team until you’re stable and ready to be accompanied home. Drowsiness is normal after general anaesthesia and a responsible adult must accompany you home and remain with you for the first 24 hours.
From start to finish, we’re committed to making your experience as comfortable and well-supported as possible.
Who Is General Anaesthesia
Best Suited for?
General anaesthesia may be worth discussing if:
- You have a significant amount of dental work to be completed and would prefer it addressed in fewer visits.
- You have a low tolerance for in-chair procedures or difficulty remaining still during treatment.
- You experience significant anxiety or fear at the dentist.
- You’re looking for a high level of comfort and support during a complex dental procedure.
Suitability for general anaesthesia is assessed individually. Let’s discuss your needs and find the most appropriate approach for your situation.
Price List
Curious about our services? Download our latest price list to explore our full range of high-quality dental treatments and find the right fit for you.
DENTL: Comfort and Quality You Can Trust
At East Melbourne's DENTL in Fitzroy, we are passionate about your smile and your comfort:
Unmatched Expertise
Our experienced professionals are dedicated to providing the highest standard of care, making your dental journey smooth and rewarding.
Calm Ambience
Our clinic’s soothing environment helps ease anxiety, with general anaesthesia and other sedation options available to make your treatment as relaxing as possible.
Comprehensive Care
We offer all treatments on-site, eliminating the need to visit multiple locations and providing a seamless experience.
Advanced Technology
Utilising the latest innovations like Digital Smile Design, we ensure precision and excellence in every aspect of your care.
Patient-Centred Approach
We listen to your needs and tailor every aspect of your treatment to suit your individual goals and comfort levels.
Whether you're here for preventive care, complex restorative work, or a cosmetic uplift, trust DENTL to tailor the highest standard of care to your personal needs.
Making High-Quality Care Accessible
We understand that finances can be an important factor when it comes to dental care, which is why we offer flexible payment options to suit your needs:
- Humm Payment Plans: Spread the cost of your treatment over time with convenient payment plans.
- Medicare and CDBS: We support eligible treatments under Medicare and offer free services under the Children’s Dental Benefit Scheme.
- SuperCare: Explore the option of accessing your superannuation early for necessary treatments.
- Private Health Insurance (HICAPs): Instant claims are available with HICAPs, making it easy to use your health fund benefits directly.
With these flexible options, getting the care you need at DENTL is stress-free and affordable.
Risks & Recovery
General anaesthetic is sometimes used for complex dental procedures and, like all medical interventions, it carries risks and recovery considerations.
Possible risks include:
- Nausea, sore throat, or dizziness after anaesthesia
- Temporary confusion or drowsiness following the procedure
- In rare cases, allergic reaction or breathing difficulties
- Small risk of complications with blood pressure or heart rate, which are carefully monitored throughout
Recovery considerations:
- Patients remain under observation immediately after the procedure until stable
- Drowsiness can last up to 24 hours, so driving and operating machinery are not permitted
- A responsible adult must accompany the patient home and remain with them for the first day
- Many patients can return to normal activities the following day, depending on the treatment performed
SEE RELATED TREATMENT
Sedation Dentistry
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is general anaesthesia safe for dental procedures?
General anaesthesia is considered appropriate for suitable patients when administered and monitored by a qualified specialist anaesthetist. Before proceeding, your health history and medical background are reviewed to assess your suitability. Your anaesthetist monitors your vital signs closely throughout the procedure. As with any medical intervention, there are risks, which are outlined above and discussed during your consultation.
How long will I be under general anaesthesia?
The duration depends on the length of your dental procedure. You’ll be unconscious for the duration of the treatment and will begin to recover once the procedure is complete.
How will I feel after the procedure?
Most patients feel drowsy and a little groggy when they first wake up. Our nursing team will monitor you in our recovery area until you’re stable and comfortable. A responsible adult must accompany you home, as driving is not permitted for at least 24 hours following general anaesthesia.
How long will it take to recover from sedation or general anaesthetic?
Most patients feel drowsy for several hours afterward. Full recovery usually occurs within 24 hours, although some people may take longer depending on the procedure and individual factors.
Take the Next Step
Considering general anaesthesia for your next dental procedure? Contact our East Melbourne team to discuss whether this option is appropriate for your situation.
Our team is here to answer your questions and help you organise a consultation.
Our team is here to answer your questions and help you schedule a consultation.
DISCLAIMER: The material posted is for informational purposes only and is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Results vary with each patient. Any dental procedure carries risks and benefits. If you have any specific questions about any dental and/or medical matter, you should consult your dentist, physician or other professional healthcare providers.
