Treatment under general anaesthesia
For some patients, treatment under general anaesthesia is the best way to make necessary dental care possible. It is intended for situations where regular dental treatment, even with local anaesthesia or light sedation, is not feasible.
When is treatment under general anaesthesia appropriate?
Treatment under general anaesthesia is intended for patients with severe dental anxiety, a very strong gag reflex or extensive dental treatment needs that cannot be managed in the normal dental chair. It is not a standard alternative to routine dental treatment and is only considered when there is a clear indication.
During an initial consultation, we assess together whether general anaesthesia is appropriate. We consider not only the dental treatment itself, but also your general health, medical history and any medication you use. The anaesthesiologist makes the final decision on whether treatment under general anaesthesia is medically suitable. In some cases, it may not be possible.
Treatment at our own practice
Treatment takes place at our practice in The Hague. We work with a specialised anaesthesia team that is fully responsible for the anaesthetic and your medical care throughout the procedure, while our own dentists carry out the dental treatment.
General anaesthesia is a medical procedure that may only be performed by appropriately trained specialists. During treatment, your heart rhythm, blood pressure, oxygen levels and breathing are continuously monitored using professional equipment, ensuring the procedure is carried out safely and in a controlled manner.
Preparation and recovery
Good preparation is essential for safe general anaesthesia. Before your appointment, you will receive detailed instructions about fasting, medication and the support you will need on the day of treatment. These instructions must be followed carefully. If they are not, treatment may need to be postponed for your safety.
After the procedure, you will recover at the practice under the supervision of the anaesthesia team. You may only leave once the anaesthesiologist has confirmed that you have recovered sufficiently. You must not drive yourself home, should be accompanied by another adult and should not remain alone during the first 24 hours.
Costs and important information
Treatment under general anaesthesia involves additional costs on top of the normal dental treatment. The cost of the anaesthesia is approximately €450 per treatment hour. During your consultation, we will provide a clear estimate of the expected costs whenever possible.
Although modern general anaesthesia is considered very safe when performed by a specialised anaesthesia team, it remains a medical procedure that requires careful preparation. For this reason, we always assess whether general anaesthesia is truly the most appropriate option, or whether treatment with local anaesthesia or light sedation may be sufficient.
Frequently asked questions
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Who is eligible for treatment under general anaesthesia?
Treatment under general anaesthesia is intended for patients who are unable to undergo regular dental treatment. This may be due to severe dental anxiety, a strong gag reflex or the need for extensive dental treatment that cannot be carried out in the normal dental chair. During an intake appointment, we assess together whether general anaesthesia is the most appropriate option.
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Can everyone be treated under general anaesthesia?
No. Before treatment, an anaesthesiologist assesses whether general anaesthesia is medically appropriate. Your general health, medical history, medication use and any potential risks are taken into account. In some cases, additional tests may be required or general anaesthesia may not be suitable.
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How does treatment under general anaesthesia work?
On the day of your treatment, you will first be connected to monitoring equipment and the anaesthesiologist will insert an intravenous line. You will then be placed under general anaesthesia while the dentist carries out the planned treatment. Throughout the procedure, the anaesthesia team continuously monitors your heart rate, blood pressure, breathing and oxygen levels.
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Do I need to fast before treatment?
Yes. Fasting is essential for safe treatment under general anaesthesia. Before your appointment, you will receive detailed instructions about eating, drinking and taking medication. If these instructions are not followed, the treatment may need to be postponed for your safety.
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Is treatment under general anaesthesia safe?
Modern general anaesthesia is considered very safe when performed by a specialised anaesthesia team using the appropriate equipment and monitoring. As with any medical procedure, there are risks, but these are carefully assessed beforehand to ensure that treatment is as safe as possible.
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Can I drive home after the treatment?
No. You must not drive after treatment under general anaesthesia. You will need someone to accompany you home, and you should not be left alone during the first 24 hours after the procedure.
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How much does treatment under general anaesthesia cost?
In addition to the normal dental treatment costs, there are extra costs for the general anaesthesia. These are approximately €450 per treatment hour. During your consultation, we will provide a clear estimate of the expected costs whenever possible.
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Can children be treated under general anaesthesia?
Yes, in certain situations this is possible. As with adults, we first assess whether treatment under general anaesthesia is the most appropriate option. The anaesthesiologist makes the final decision on whether it is medically safe and suitable.
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What if I'm not sure whether I need treatment under general anaesthesia?
That's perfectly fine. During your consultation, we discuss your dental concerns, the treatment you need and any anxiety you may have. Together with the anaesthesiologist, we determine which type of treatment is most appropriate for your situation. In many cases, treatment with local anaesthesia or light sedation may be sufficient, meaning general anaesthesia is not necessary.