Three different anesthesia is used in our clinic,
Local anesthesia
Local anesthesia is used for simpler procedures like a cavity filling, which requires a shorter time to complete and is generally less complicated.
You will be conscious and able to communicate when you get a local anesthetic. The area will be numb, so you won’t feel pain.
Most local anesthetics take effect quickly (within 15 minutes) and last 30 to 60 minutes. Sometimes a vasopressor such as epinephrine is added to the anesthetic to increase its effect and to keep the anesthetic effect from spreading to other areas of the body.
In our clinic, two other anesthesia methods are used according to the patient's request.
Sedation anesthesia
Sedation has several levels and is used to relax a person who may have anxiety, help with pain, or keep them still for the procedure. It can also cause procedure amnesia.
You might be fully conscious and able to respond to commands, semiconscious, or barely conscious. Sedation is categorized as mild, moderate, or deep. However, the levels are not precise and depend on how sensitive a patient is to the medication used.
The medication might be given orally (tablet or liquid), inhaled, intramuscularly (IM), or intravenously (IV). Your heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing must be carefully monitored in moderate or deep sedation.
General anesthesia
General anesthesia is used for longer procedures, or if you have a lot of anxiety that might interfere with your treatment.
You’ll be completely unconscious, have no pain, your muscles will be relaxed, and you’ll have amnesia from the procedure.
The medication is given through a face mask or IV. The level of anesthesia depends on the procedure and the individual patient.
What are the differences between sedation anaesthesia and general anaesthesia?
The main differences between sedation and general anaesthesia are:
your level of consciousness
the need for equipment to help support your breathing possible side effects.
With minimal and moderate sedation, you feel comfortable, sleepy and relaxed. You may drift off to sleep at times, but will be easy to wake.
With general anaesthesia, you are completely unaware and unconscious during the procedure.