How To Prepare For General Anesthesia at The Dentist

You and your dentist will go over your health history, ensure that you are healthy enough to have general anesthesia, and make sure that it’s the right choice for your procedure.

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The Dental Anesthesia Center: Sedation and Sleep Dentistry4.9

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Janel L.

We’re very thankful to have found the kind folks at the dental anesthesia center. They are patient and informative with what’s needed and how it will get done. Big shoutout to Rebekah and crew at the front desk who always help us figure out all the paperwork and scheduling. Thank you Dr. Behl for your awesome bedside manner! Highly recommend to others

Patrick R.

The entire team at The Dental Anesthesia Center is exceptional.

Not only is Dr. Hoffmann a 10/10 dentist, but he is very trustworthy and only recommends procedures when necessary.

The dental hygienists are uniformly wonderful. During cleanings, they are gentle but are still able to carry on a conversation as they work.

If i moved an hour away, I would still drive my family here for any dental needs.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful review! We’re so grateful for your trust in our team and are glad your experience with our doctors and hygienists has been a positive one. We truly appreciate your support!

Michelle B.

If we lived in closer proximity, we would see Dr. Thoms for all of our dentistry needs. As it is, we happily made the 2.25 hour trip three times for my daughter's root canal and crown. Dr. Thoms and the entire team were expert, kind, and compassionate.
We could not ask for more!

Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind words and for trusting our team. We truly appreciate you sharing your experience and are grateful for the opportunity to provide care. Wishing you and your family all the best!

Ruby W.

Wonderful place for my special needs daughter. She is not always cooperative. They are very good and patient with her. Thankful she can receive anesthesia at the office and not have to take her for out patient service at a hospital. Thank you to all the staff 😇

Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind words and 5-star review! We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. Our team is grateful for your trust and is always committed to providing patient-centered, compassionate care.

Dave K.

As a 75 year old man, I have been to several dentist’s and none compare to Dr. Thoms and Dr. Behl. The entire staff is very knowledgeable and accommodating. I have had some major work done and I/V sedation is definitely the way to go. Five stars to the entire team at DAC. I highly recommend their services.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words and recommendation! We truly appreciate your trust in our team. It’s always our goal to provide comfortable, high-quality care to every patient.

General anesthesia at the dentist is one way to deal with severe dental anxiety or safely receive major oral surgeries, such as removing impacted wisdom teeth.

With this type of anesthesia, you are completely unconscious. You won’t remember anything that happened during your procedure. Wondering how to prepare for your treatment at The Dental Anesthesia Center? Here are a few steps you will need to take.

Discuss Risks With Your Dentist Before Your Treatment

While general anesthesia is very safe, certain health conditions like diabetes, sleep apnea, and other complex medical histories may increase the risk of complications during general anesthesia.

You and your dentist at The Dental Anesthesia Center will go over your health history and ensure that you are healthy enough to have general anesthesia – and to make sure that it’s the right choice for your procedure.

Fast According To Your Dentist’s Instructions

You will usually need to fast for at least 6 hours before your surgery. This is because general anesthesia affects muscles in your digestive tract and airway, relaxing them and potentially allowing food and acid into the stomach and lungs. If you have an empty stomach, this is not an issue.

Stop Taking Certain Medications or Supplements

Your dentist will discuss any medications you may not be able to take before your general anesthesia appointment, such as blood thinners.

There are also some other supplements you should avoid before surgery, such as kava, Gingko Biloba, garlic, ginseng, and St. John’s Wort. Again, it would be best to discuss all of your supplements with your doctor to ensure you do not take any supplements that could affect your anesthesia.

Bring Someone With You To Take You Home & Take Care Of You

You will not be able to drive yourself home after your treatment, and the side effects of anesthesia may last for a few hours after your appointment. Along with feelings of confusion and disorientation, you may experience:

• Nausea
• Shivering
• Dry mouth
• Sore throat
• Muscle aches
• Sleepiness
• Itching

It’s important to bring a responsible adult, such as a partner, family member, or close friend with you to your appointment at The Dental Anesthesia Center. After your appointment, you will be released into their care, and they can monitor you at home to make sure you don’t experience any significant side effects or after-effects related to anesthesia.

Consult With Our Team

At The Dental Anesthesia Center, we offer several different anesthesia types, ranging from minimal sedation with laughing gas to complete, full-body general anesthesia. If you are interested in the benefits of sleep dentistry, contact us online or give us a call at (314) 862-7844 for an appointment and explore your options further.