What is Sedation? How is it Applied in Dental Treatment?

Sedation is a sedative method administered by the anesthesiologist that allows the patient to relax and be half-asleep during dental treatment. The medication used makes the patient half-asleep and relaxed. They are conscious, able to speak, respond physically, and retain their reflexes.

Sedation is generally preferred in the following dental treatments:

• Short-term, simple treatment procedures (such as simple tooth extractions)
• Patients with dentophobia (fear of dentists)
• Individuals with hypersensitivity or a gag reflex

The patient recovers quickly after the procedure and can return home the same day.

Types of Sedation Used in Dental Treatment

Sedation methods used in dental treatment allow patients to experience a more relaxed state of health. The most commonly known types of sedation in Bursa, and the ones our patients often request information about, are as follows:

• Oral Sedation: Medication is taken orally 30-60 minutes before the procedure. It provides comfort during dental treatment by inducing light sleep and amnesia.
• Intravenous Sedation (IV Sedation): Medication is administered intravenously to the patient, after which they are put into a state of sleep. The patient is usually drowsy, comfortable, and relaxed, but does not lose full consciousness.
• Nitrous Oxide (Smiling Gas): Nitrous oxide, commonly known as "smiling gas," is a mild sedative. It is administered to the patient through a mask during the procedure. The patient experiences a feeling of relaxation and calmness as they are exposed to the gas. The patient is conscious during the procedure, and the effects quickly subside when the mask is removed.
• Deep Sedation: The patient is half-asleep and can move and speak. Reflexes are preserved. This is especially useful for short and simple treatments.

Dental Treatment with General Anesthesia

General Anesthesia; This procedure is performed by a general anesthesiologist in an operating room. The patient is completely asleep, and their breathing is supported by the anesthesiologist using breathing devices. All vital functions of the patient are under the anesthesiologist's supervision. The patient feels no pain or discomfort during the procedure. Because it is performed under the supervision of an anesthesiologist and in a hospital setting, it is the safest and most comfortable method of dental treatment with sedation.

At Jimer Dental Clinics in Bursa, sedation or general anesthesia is determined by the dentist based on the patient's needs and condition during the planning process. Our dental treatments performed under general anesthesia are performed by an anesthesiologist in the fully equipped operating room of Jimer Private Hospital.

What is Sedation Used for in Dentistry? Where is it Used?

Sedation and general anesthesia, are applied by an anesthesiologist. These are safe methods designed to increase patient comfort during dental treatment. Dental treatments performed with sedation and general anesthesia are prohibited in dental clinics according to the Ministry of Health's oral and dental health regulations. These treatment methods can only be performed in hospital settings under the supervision of a general anesthesiologist or in inpatient dental treatment centers. There is a misconception online and in the public that sedation is only performed in dental clinics; it is unsafe for sedation to be performed in dental clinics.

Sedation and general anesthesia in dentistry are used to ensure a comfortable and relaxed treatment process for children and adults who have a fear of the dentist, difficulty cooperating, or those with a severe gag reflex, depending on the method deemed appropriate by the anesthesiologist and dentist.

Sedation is generally suitable for simple and short-term dental procedures. It can be preferred for the following dental treatments:

• Simple tooth extractions
• Simple fillings, crown bonding
• Short-term procedures such as scaling

This method helps the patient relax and adapt to the treatment while they are conscious. However, general anesthesia is preferred for more extensive treatment plans requiring multiple procedures or when the patient is unable to respond to treatment in the chair.

During dental treatments with general anesthesia, the patient is completely asleep and experiences no pain or discomfort during the procedure. It is particularly preferred for:

• Cases requiring long or extensive treatments,
• Individuals with mental or physical disabilities,
• Prolonged treatments where sedation would not be sufficient.

The method to be used is determined by considering the patient's age, general health, duration of treatment, and psychological state. Your dentist and anesthesiologist will guide you on the most appropriate and safe method after the examination. For detailed information and to schedule an appointment, please contact our expert team at +90 533 738 14 52.

Why is General Anesthesia Preferred for Dental Treatment? Advantages of Procedure in Bursa

The field of pediatric dentistry has witnessed numerous instances where sedation was inadequate, particularly in children with disabilities, individuals with a nausea reflex, or in cases where patient cooperation during treatment is lacking. Therefore, general anesthesia becomes virtually mandatory in some cases. Because the patient is conscious during sedation, the anesthesiologist may not be able to maintain full control in some cases.

Situations such as swallowing water, vomiting, or sudden airway obstruction can compromise the treatment process, especially in young children. Therefore, sedation should only be used for short-term, low-risk procedures. During dental treatments, patients under sedation may experience sudden reflexes during work with water, the use of high-speed instruments (such as aerators), and the use of equipment that facilitates mouth opening. This can lead to tissue injury or partial airway obstruction. It's important to remember that sedation requires expertise and experience; it can only be made safe with the right patient selection, appropriate infrastructure, and team collaboration.

To prevent such risks and ensure complete patient safety, general anesthesia is preferred, especially for long-term or multiple procedures. This is because:

• The patient is completely immobile and asleep.
• All vital functions are constantly monitored by the anesthesiologist.
• The procedure is performed in a fully equipped operating room.
• All equipment and experienced personnel are ready to respond immediately to emergencies.

As Jimer Dental Clinics, we perform both sedation and general anesthesia at our Nilüfer, Bursa, center, under the one-on-one supervision of our experienced anesthesiologists, with the necessary equipment and hygienic operating room conditions. We at the hospital are equipped to protect the airway and prevent the risk of aspiration through patient-specific planning. Our anesthesiologists take full responsibility for facilitating the dentist's work, ensuring complete safety for both the procedure and the patient.

Who is Suitable for Dental Treatments with Sedation and General Anesthesia?

Sedation and general anesthesia are preferred for certain patient groups to ensure a comfortable and painless dental treatment process. The dentist may plan dental treatment with sedation or general anesthesia to ensure both safe and comfortable treatment.

Sedation and general anesthesia are generally used for the following patient groups:

• Extreme Fear of the Dentist:
  It may be preferred for patients who experience intense anxiety or fear of visiting the dentist.
• Pediatric Patients:
  Adherence and cooperation to treatment can be difficult, especially for young children between the ages of 3 and 7. Sedation or general anesthesia allows the pediatric dentist to provide a safe and comfortable treatment for children, without the need for cooperation.
• Individuals with Mental or Physical Disabilities:
  It is suitable for patients with special needs who have difficulty communicating or remaining physically present in a chair during treatment.
• Multiple Dental Treatments:
  In cases where multiple procedures must be performed in the same session (for example, multiple tooth extractions, implant surgery, root canal treatment), this procedure may be preferred to ensure a more comfortable and relaxed experience for the patient.
• Individuals with an Intense Gag (Nausea) Reflex:
  Tedavi esnasında alet temasında öğürme refleksi gösteren hastalarda tedaviyi kolaylaştırmak için planlanabilir.

Dental Treatment with General Anesthesia for Nausea

Dental treatment can be quite challenging for individuals with a strong nausea reflex (gag reflex). Even the simplest oral procedures can trigger nausea, gagging, and even vomiting.

This can lead to patient resistance to treatment and make it difficult for the dentist to perform treatment in the chair. Even simple procedures such as oral examinations and fillings can cause significant discomfort for these patients.

For individuals with such strong reflexes, dental treatment under general anesthesia is an ideal option for both increasing patient comfort and ensuring a successful treatment process. Because the patient is completely sedated with general anesthesia, the nausea reflex is suppressed, allowing the dentist to safely perform all treatments in a single session.

What are the Differences Between Sedation and General Anesthesia?

Sedation and general anesthesia are two different methods used by anesthesiologists that allow both pediatric and adult patients to have their dental treatments completed comfortably and safely in a single session. Both methods fall within the spectrum of anesthesia practices, and sedation can be considered on a spectrum that progresses from mild to deep general anesthesia.

Instead of making a distinction between sedation and general anesthesia as "less" or "more," the decision for dental treatment should be based on the patient's condition and suitability for the treatment process.

The decision on which method to use is made in collaboration between the anesthesiologist and dentist, taking into account criteria such as the patient's age, general health, duration of treatment, level of cooperation, and medical history. Proper planning not only increases treatment effectiveness but also maximizes patient comfort and safety.

In general anesthesia (anesthesia), the patient is in a deep sleep, and all functions are monitored by the anesthesiologist. This procedure is performed in a fully equipped hospital operating room. General anesthesia is particularly preferred for patients with health problems and for lengthy and painful procedures. In the hospital environment, all necessary tests and evaluations are conducted through the collaboration of specialists from different disciplines, thus minimizing potential risks.

Under sedation, the patient is semi-asleep; reflexes remain intact. While relaxed, they may move suddenly or react verbally. Therefore, sedation may not be sufficient in some cases, especially for complex or lengthy dental procedures.

For extensive treatment plans exceeding 1.5–2 hours, general anesthesia is a more suitable option for both patient comfort and treatment safety. Because the patient is completely sedated under general anesthesia, problems such as movement, pain, or anxiety during surgical procedures are eliminated, and the treatment is successfully completed in a single session.

Safe Treatment in a Hospital Environment at Nilüfer Jimer Dental Clinics

At Jimer Dental Clinics, our top priority in treatment planning is always our patients' safety and comfort. We meticulously determine the methods we employ to minimize potential risks and protect patient health in every aspect. We take all necessary precautions against potential risks to our patients' health and treatment process through detailed assessment and planning with our dentist and hospital anesthesiologist. Except for short-term treatments, we do not recommend sedation for long-term treatment plans requiring multiple procedures due to potential risks to patient safety and health. Instead, we perform dental treatments under general anesthesia in our fully equipped hospital environment, accompanied by an anesthesiologist.

Under general anesthesia:

• The patient is completely asleep,
• All reflexes and breathing are controlled and monitored by the anesthesiologist,
• Pain, anxiety, and the risk of movement are eliminated.

Considering these factors, it is particularly suitable for:

• Pediatric patients,,
• Individuals with mental or physical disabilities,,
• Individuals with severe dental phobia,,
• Individuals unable to cooperate during treatment

General anesthesia is both a comfortable and medically safe treatment method.

At Nilüfer Jimer Dental Clinics, we successfully perform dental treatments under general anesthesia with our fully equipped operating room and experienced dental staff at Odunluk Private Jimer Hospital. If you would like to learn more about general anesthesia or schedule an appointment, please contact our expert team.

Bursa General Anesthesia Dental Treatment Stages

The stages of dental treatment under general anesthesia in Bursa are the same for both children and adults:

• Stage 1: Examination and Evaluation
  The dental treatment under general anesthesia begins with a detailed evaluation, first by a dentist and then by an anesthesiologist. A preliminary examination is performed in the clinic using radiographic images such as panoramic X-rays and dental CT scans. The anesthesiologist evaluates the patient's suitability for general anesthesia, considering their general health, medical history, and existing systemic diseases. When necessary, consultations can be requested from other medical specialties at our hospital or from the patient's own physician. Certain tests may be performed in the hospital before general anesthesia. The dentist then plans all treatment procedures to be completed in a single visit.
• Stage 2: Treatment Under General Anesthesia
  On the scheduled appointment day, the patient is placed under general anesthesia in a fully equipped hospital environment, accompanied by an anesthesiologist. All planned procedures, such as tooth extractions, fillings, root canal treatment, and surgical procedures, are performed in a single visit. After the procedure, the patient is kept under observation for a short time and is safely discharged on the same day.

Dental Treatment with Anesthesia for Children in Nilüfer, Bursa

Dental treatments performed under general anesthesia offer a significant advantage, especially for pediatric patients, allowing for more treatment in a single visit. Fillings, tooth extractions, root canals, and other procedures can be performed completely in the same session under a single general anesthesia.

This method not only increases the child's comfort but also minimizes stress and anxiety for both the child and their family by eliminating the need for repeat clinic visits. Complete dental treatment in a single visit offers an effective and safe solution, especially for children who struggle to cooperate and individuals with special needs.

Who Performs Dental Treatments Under General Anesthesia for Children?

General anesthesia dental treatments for our pediatric patients are performed by our pediatric dentist (a pedodontist) under the supervision of an anesthesiologist. Before the procedure, the child's general health is assessed, necessary checks are performed, and a treatment plan is meticulously prepared.

This process, carried out with special care, patience, and a thorough approach to children, ensures comfortable and safe dental treatment. Procedures such as fillings, extractions, and root canals are performed in a single visit under general anesthesia, minimizing stress for both the child and the family and shortening the treatment process.

Is Sedation or General Anesthesia Safer? Which is the Best Choice for Dental Treatment?

Today, general anesthesia stands out as a remarkably safe procedure thanks to advanced technology and modern medical approaches. This method, particularly used for long-term dental treatments in children and adults, is quite safe for the patient when performed under full control.

In general anesthesia performed in a fully equipped hospital environment under the supervision of an anesthesiologist, the patient's breathing, heart rhythm, and other vital functions are constantly monitored with advanced monitors. This allows for the immediate detection of any complications and the safe implementation of necessary interventions.

While sedation may be sufficient for simple dental procedures in some cases, it is a more limited method compared to general anesthesia, particularly for treatments requiring prolonged or surgical procedures. During sedation, the anesthesiologist does not control all of the patient's vital functions. The patient can breathe independently and respond physically and verbally. However, if a problem arises, the anesthesiologist can switch from sedation to general anesthesia to maintain full control of the patient if deemed necessary. Sedation poses a risk to the patient's airways and breathing, and the dentist cannot intervene. Therefore, with general anesthesia, the anesthesiologist has full control of the patient, allowing the dentist to comfortably complete all procedures and monitor the patient's health in a safe and controlled manner. Working with water in the mouth and the presence of various equipment in the mouth can cause respiratory problems and cause tissue injury due to sudden reflexes. Therefore, general anesthesia is a safer and more effective option to reduce the risk of complications and increase patient comfort.

At Jimer Dental Clinics, we perform our general anesthesia procedures in the fully equipped operating room of Odunluk Private Jimer Hospital, complying with safety standards and accompanied by an expert team. This ensures a comfortable and safe treatment process for our patients. For more detailed information about dental treatments with general anesthesia and sedation, please contact our expert team at +90 533 738 14 52.