Dental treatment under general anaesthesia

Who is a suitable candidate for this type of dental care?

Children of at least 5 years of age and in good health, people with disabilities, and patients who are very apprehensive regarding dental treatment. This could be due to past trauma (difficult root canal treatment or failed local anaesthesia…) or due to the fear of experiencing pain. This can now be treated under general anaesthesia.

For patients who would normally be suitable candidates for nitrous oxide (laughing gas) inhalation or therapeutic hypnosis, it is now no longer recommended. 

In a traditional approach, treatment for multiple cavities was spread over several sessions. Using this approach, patients can now benefit from going through the whole procedure in one go thanks to general anaesthesia. This certainly results in less treatment sessions and less overall stress. 

What types of treatment can be performed under general anaesthesia?

Any type of dental treatment can be performed under general anaesthesia, from simple tooth decay to implants and wisdom teeth removal. The treatment will be carried out by a dental doctor, a dental surgery specialist or a periodontal specialist (gum disease) depending on the type of procedure that is required.

It is very important though to make an appointment as soon as possible if you start experiencing pain. Why is this so important?  “We regularly see patients who prefer to keep struggling on for weeks despite experiencing dental pain before finally deciding to make an appointment”, says Dr Stéphanie Mesquita. “When they do finally come for a consultation, the pain may have really set in. This can lead to a longer treatment plan and higher overall costs“.

How long does dental surgery under general anaesthesia last?

This will largely depend on the type of procedure being carried out: A simple cavity will require a shorter time than a dental implant for example. Most operations will not exceed 5 hours with costs ranging from 1,000 CHF for one hour and up to 3,000 CHF for 4 hours (this includes both the cost of the general anaesthetic and the operation itself). A quote detailing the breakdown of costs will be given you to prior to treatment.

Before scheduling dental treatment under general anaesthesia, it is important to check with your health insurance company to find out what kind of coverage you are entitled to. In some specific situations, such as patients who have an illness preventing them from undergoing conventional treatment, the patient may be entitled to have part of the treatment covered. This is also the case for certain complementary insurance policies.

Please note that all surgery is performed on an outpatient basis. In other words, the patient goes home later during the day accompanied by a family member or relative. Our team will make sure of course that the procedure has gone well and that the patient is in full possession of their faculties and well enough to return home

Where can you undergo dental treatment under general anaesthesia?

Our clinics at Collombey and Pully are fully equipped to offer dental treatment under general anaesthesia.

For patients of less than 5 years of age and/or with health issues, general anaesthesia can only be undertaken in a hospital setting. We provide the possibility of treatment at the Hospital of Rennaz: 

• With Dr Stéphanie Mesquita for treating cavities, root canal treatment and simple extractions.
• With Dr Carol Guenin for cases of impacted teeth, wisdom teeth or implants.