Oral Surgery
Surgical procedures of the mouth and jaw, including surgical extractions, wisdom tooth removal, bone grafts and biopsies, under local anaesthesia, sedation or general anaesthesia.
Sedation & General Anesthesia
At Advanced Dental, our dentists ensure a comfortable experience through sedation & general anesthesia, which consists of various anesthetic options.
Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
Nitrous oxide is administered through a custom nosepiece to produce a calming effect, reducing fear and anxiety, enabling patients to more comfortably tolerate injections or other potentially uncomfortable procedures. The effects wear off almost instantly once the procedure is done.
Local Anaesthesia
Local anaesthetic is administered via an injectable to impart a numbing effect that lasts for up to 60 minutes. It is injected into the part of the mouth that requires treatment. Patients won't experience any sedation or altered consciousness from local anaesthesia.
IV Sedation
For longer or more complicated procedures, IV (intravenous) sedation is used to induce a state of deeper relaxation. It is carried out by a certified anaesthetist who will monitor the patient throughout the duration of the procedure.
General Anaesthesia
General anaesthesia is administered via an IV drip and it affects the entire body and produces a state of unconsciousness. This is used for lengthy, extensive oral surgeries that might cause more pain than local anaesthesia can address.
Who it's for
Anxious patients, children, those with a strong gag reflex, or longer and more complex procedures. A medical history and assessment decide which option is appropriate — inhalation sedation, intravenous sedation, or general anaesthesia for selected cases.
Time and visits
Sedation is given for the length of the procedure; recovery in the clinic afterwards is usually short. General anaesthesia is arranged in an appropriate facility with more recovery time.
Recovery and aftercare
After sedation you will feel drowsy for a while and should be accompanied home and rest for the day, avoiding driving and important decisions. The team gives specific instructions for your option.
Risks and considerations
Sedation and anaesthesia are generally safe when assessed and monitored, but carry some risk, which is why your medical history, medications and fitness are reviewed beforehand and you are monitored throughout.
FAQ
Sedation and General Anesthesia: frequently asked questions
Is dental anaesthesia safe?
Dental anaesthesia is safe. Dentists carefully evaluate patients' medical histories to choose the most appropriate type and dosage.
Can I choose sedation or general anaesthesia for the surgery?
Most patients have the surgery performed under local anaesthesia, which is sufficient to block the pain. However, we also offer sedation and general anaesthesia services for anxious patients or when their conditions are more complex. For sedation, we offer oral, nitrous oxide or happy gas, and intravenous sedation. All surgeries are performed in any of our dental clinics in Singapore. For general anaesthesia, the patients are fully asleep, and it is performed in a day surgery operating theatre with an anaesthetist providing the general anaesthesia. We will discuss the type of anaesthesia most appropriate for your condition during your consultation.
Does local anaesthesia hurt?
Most patients experience minimal discomfort during the local anaesthesia injection. The needles used are very fine, and the procedure is usually quick. Your dentist may also offer numbing options to ensure your comfort.
What is dental anaesthesia, and why is it used?
Dental anaesthesia is the administration of medications to induce a loss of sensation or consciousness during dental procedures. It is used to ensure a pain-free and comfortable experience for the patient.
How is local anaesthesia administered in dentistry?
Local anaesthesia is typically injected near the treatment site via a small needle. Topical anaesthetics may be applied beforehand to numb the area where the injection will be given.
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What are the different types of dental anaesthesia?
Common types include local anaesthesia (numbing a specific area), general anaesthesia (inducing temporary unconsciousness), and sedation (relaxing and calming the patient).
Can I choose general anaesthesia/sedation for the tooth extraction?
These methods will require anaesthetist, which we do not have in our dental group. Local anaesthesia provides sufficient numbing for dental extractions and surgeries. If you still have concerns, please let our dentists know during consultation and they will be able to provide you with professional advice.
Explore
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Root Canal Treatment
Removes infected or inflamed pulp from inside a tooth, then cleans, shapes and seals the root canals so the natural tooth can be kept. Usually one to three visits; a crown is often recommended afterwards.
Children Dentistry
Dental care for infants, children and teens — first visits, check-ups, fluoride, fissure sealants and fillings — paced to each child's comfort.