For most patients, local anesthesia is completely sufficient. However, there are situations in which the thought of noises, smells, and the sensation of treatment represents an insurmountable hurdle. This may be due to a pronounced dental phobia, an extreme gag reflex, or because a very extensive operation is pending. <\/p>\n\n
In these cases, general anesthesia (intubation anesthesia)<\/strong> is often the “reset button”: you fall asleep, and when you wake up, it is all over. But what actually happens in the body during this process? And is it safe? <\/p>\n\n In contrast to twilight sleep (sedation), where you can still breathe and react, general anesthesia completely switches off your consciousness and sensation of pain. It is a controlled state managed by a specialist in anesthesiology<\/strong>. While we take care of your teeth, the anesthesiologist is exclusively responsible for your safety. <\/p>\n\n The medication cocktail usually consists of three components:<\/p>\n\n General anesthesia follows a strict protocol that guarantees the highest level of safety.<\/p>\n\n You will receive intravenous access (usually on the arm or back of the hand). The anesthetic takes effect within seconds. The often-described “drifting into sleep” is usually perceived by patients as very pleasant and relieving. <\/p>\n\n Since your respiratory drive and swallowing reflexes are switched off, we must protect your lungs. This is crucial, especially during work in the mouth where water and blood are present. The anesthesiologist inserts a breathing tube (endotracheal tube) or a laryngeal mask. You will not feel this, as you are already fast asleep. You are ventilated through this route, and the depth of anesthesia is controlled with millimeter precision. Vital signs such as heart rate, oxygen saturation, and blood pressure are monitored every second. <\/p>\n\n As soon as the dental procedure is finished, the anesthesiologist stops the supply of medication. You usually wake up within a few minutes. For you, it feels as if only a moment has passed\u2014even if the surgery lasted for hours (amnesia effect). <\/p>\n\n Even if you feel fit quickly in the recovery room: your body has performed heavy work and the medication continues to have an effect. For your safety, strict rules apply for 24 hours<\/strong>: <\/p>\n\nMore than just “deep sleep”: The medical principle<\/h2>\n\n
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The procedure: Safely through the three phases<\/h2>\n\n
Phase 1: Induction<\/h3>\n\n
Phase 2: Maintenance (Protection of the airways)<\/h3>\n\n
Phase 3: Emergence<\/h3>\n\n
The 24-hour rule: Behavior after the procedure<\/h2>\n\n