General anesthesia is the term for anesthesia that puts a patient completely to sleep during a medical or dental procedure. General anesthesia is most commonly used during extensive treatment procedures, for patients with dental anxiety, special needs, or for young patients who find it difficult to set still for the duration of treatment.
The general anesthetic can be administered in a variety of ways, including injection, gas inhalation, or through IV, depending on the circumstances. In addition to keeping the patient unconscious, the anesthetic also acts as an amnesiac, causing the patient to forget the events immediately before and after the procedure, which helps the patient not associate their initial fear of completing dental treatment, with regular, routine office visits to the dentist.
General anesthesia is very safe when administered under the trained supervision of a professional. It is important, though, that you share an accurate and complete health history with our office as well as the anesthesiologist, including medications and any food or drug allergies. We will provide you with a comprehensive set of instructions to follow before, during, and after your child’s procedure under general anesthesia.
The cost of dental treatment with our office remains the same regardless of how or where it is completed, and is covered by your dental insurance as outlined by the specifics of your plan. However, the cost of general anesthesia when it is a benefit of your plan is covered by your medical insurance. Depending on your child’s medical plan, Dr. Creevan may recommend treatment in the office or at an outside Kaiser facility. When treatment is completed in the office, it is done under the care of a trained medical anesthesiologist, who monitors your child throughout the duration of treatment. For patients who have Kaiser Permanente as their medical insurance, Dr. Creevan is allowed surgical privileges as an outside provider, at the Kaiser facility in Pleasanton, CA. Regardless of where treatment is provided, our office Anesthesia Coordinator will walk you through the process every step of the way.