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Anaesthetics

 

The word anaesthesia means the loss of sensation. Most of the anaesthetics for dental procedures at the Canberra Surgicentre are completed by using a technique of "intravenous sedation". This kind of anaesthesia involves the intravenous administration of potent sedatives and analgesics, along with drugs to decrease your level of awareness.

Alternatively, general anaesthesia may be indicated for some surgical procedures e.g. dental implants or biopsies.

Preparing for Anaesthesia

• stop smoking for as long as possible before your operation (5 days preferably)
  
  
• if you are overweight, losing weight decreases the risk of complications especially for the heart and lungs
  
  
• exercise daily (regular daily exercise improves your heart's function, and lowers your blood pressure)
  
  
• do not eat or drink anything before your operation. Adults and older children must not eat or drink anything for at least 6 hours before surgery, young children for 4 hours. (Food or liquids in the stomach at the time of the operation can be regurgitated into the throat under anaesthesia, and cause serious difficulties with breathing. In emergencies, when the stomach may be full, the use of a special anaesthetic procedure will decrease the risk of lung damage.
  
  
• arrange to have an adult to escort you home afterwards, and remain with you for the night
  
  
• you should not drive a car, drink alcohol, make important decisions, or operate heavy machinery for at least 24 hours after an anaesthetic. Once back at home, if you are concerned, you should contact your doctor.
  
  

What you can expect upon admission

After arrival at the Canberra Surgicentre and on completion of admission paperwork and accounts, you will be taken to a room where a member of staff will perform some pre-operative tests, such as blood pressure, temperature and body weight. A theatre gown, hat and paper booties will be fitted and a few questions will be asked regarding allergies and fasting times.

The next person you meet is your Surgeon, who will confirm the dental procedure and check consent details with you.

At this time the Anaesthetist will discuss with you the anaesthetic (please see below), what to expect after the procedure and the risks associated with anaesthesia. You will have the opportunity to ask any questions regarding the anaesthesia. Following your consultation, you will be seen by the theatre nurse who will be assisting the Anaesthetist during your procedure. After a final pre-operative check, you will be taken into the operating theatre.

After you arrive in the operating theatre, a small intravenous cannula (or drip) is inserted into a vein in your hand or arm. You are then given drugs, which will help you relax whilst local anaesthetic is injected around the teeth being operated on. At this stage you are still "awake" as some cooperation is needed whilst the oral nerve blocks are inserted (you may not recall this because of the sedatives and pain killers already administered). After the oral nerve blocks have been performed, you are then given drugs allowing you to "go to sleep". Throughout the surgery you are under direct supervision with monitoring of your blood pressure, blood oxygenation and heart rate. The experience of intravenous sedation is similar to a light level of sleep tailored specifically for your situation where you are not aware of any discomfort or anxiety.

Following the procedure you are taken to recovery where you will be monitored by nursing staff whilst you wake up from the anaesthetic. Your tongue and lips may "feel large" and you might also find it hard to swallow. As the local anaesthetic wears off (up to 3 hours) sensation returns and you may experience pain. When fully awake, nursing staff will take you and your carer through a comprehensive post-operative education program on what to expect and how to manage any problems, including pain, in the post-operative period.

Risks

All types of anaesthesia are associated with risks. Some of these risks include nausea and vomiting, dental damage, sore throat, drug reactions and infection. Complications can occur with all major bodily systems, including heart, lungs, brain, kidneys, blood and nerves. It is common for people to fear serious complications, including death. These are rare-patients selected for procedures at Canberra Surgicentre represent those who are at low risk. Higher risk patients who may need specialised airway/cardiac support or post-op intensive care are treated in other hospitals in the ACT by Surgicentre specialists.

Pain Management

Your Anaesthetist will cooperate with your Surgeon to minimise the pain you may experience as a result of your operation. Normally, you can expect to have some pain for at least several days after your operation. Pain is usually at its worst about 24-72 hours following the operation, though some paid will be experienced beyond this time depending on the procedure and the amount of activity you perform. To manage your pain at home, you will be prescribed oral pain medication and or anti-inflammatory medication for you to take by mouth following discharge.

Please refer to our web page detailing pain management strategies.

Discharge - Post-Anaesthesia

• you should follow instructions issued by your surgeon before discharge
  
  
• you should not drive a car, drink alcohol, make important decisions, or operate heavy machinery for at least 24 hours after an anaesthetic
  
  
• you should go home and rest to help ensure a rapid and complete recovery
  
  
• you must have a carer accompany you home and remain with you overnight

Information provided by Anaesthetic group at Canberra Surgicentre.

© 2007 Canberra Surgicentre