General Anaesthesia (GA)

Medically speaking, general anaesthesia is an induced state of unconsciousness. In practical terms, the patient is asleep and unable to respond to touch or voices. It is most often recommended for complex procedures where it is more difficult for patients to tolerate the treatment required to restore their oral health. For example, if a toddler was suffering from severe early childhood caries and required multiple root canals and crowns, the parents might agree that general anaesthesia was the most comfortable and safest way to complete treatment. Or, it may be the treatment of choice for a child with a mental or physical disability for whom a hospital setting provides the safest and best approach to care.

All patients should know that children face the same risk under general anaesthesia for dental treatment as for any other surgical procedure. The treatment should be provided only by highly qualified health professionals, including dentists with advanced education in anaesthesiology, dental or medical anaesthesiologists, oral surgeons, and certified registered nurse anaesthetists. When this treatment method is used at the hospital, it will feature special monitoring and emergency equipment and trained support personnel. Patients are encouraged to talk openly with their dentist about the benefits and risks of this treatment.

Please Note for the above treatment methods

• You MUST contact us at least 3 weeks before your appointment to make any changes or you will be liable for a significant cancellation fee. You can contact reception at 8267 1894
• The dentist will endeavour to provide  you with a cost estimate before  your treatment date. We must stress that this serves as an estimate only; the nature of many dental procedures is unpredictable and in some cases more extensive treatment may be required. Our policy is to always provide treatment that is the best interest of the patient and where possible, we try to let you know of the potential for any extra treatments that may have to be carried out.  
• If Diabetic, please bring your glucose monitor with you
• If Asthmatic, please bring your inhaler with you
• Anaesthetic fees must be paid in advance. We will provide you with payment details. Dental fees are usually required on the day of treatment