Frequently Asked Questions
Who needs general anesthesia or sedation for dentistry?
Answer: Anyone who can benefit from it, as long as the benefits outweigh the risks. Some examples include children
whose behavior prevents the delivery of conventional dental treatment, children with certain disabilities, adults with
anxiety disorders, adults with certain disabilities, patients requiring a significant amount of dental work done at one time,
or patients with dental anxiety who do not want to experience the dental procedures awake.
Is General Anesthesia safe?
Under administration by a well-trained doctor, general anesthesia and IV sedation are very safe. Dr. Watkins will
thoroughly explain the risks, benefits, and alternatives to anesthesia for dentistry. With recent advances in the
development of newer short-acting drugs and monitoring equipment, outpatient general anesthesia is becoming well
accepted in both the medical and dental profession as being a safe alternative to inpatient care. The dentist
anesthesiologist is trained for medical emergencies and is equipped with emergency supplies and drugs. The dentist
anesthesiologist is also an expert in preoperative evaluation and capable of screening-out patients whose medical
condition might add increased risk of complications during general anesthesia.
However, as is with any other medical procedure, there are risks. See next question.
What are the medical risks of General anesthesia?
All medical procedures have certain risks. Doctor Watkins will explain all risks and answer any questions prior to the
procedure. The dentist anesthesiologist is well trained to prevent complications from happening and to manage them
should they occur.
What conditions increase the patient’s risks of general anesthesia?
Patients who have not had a recent physical examination by a physician.
Patients with food in their stomach. This increases the risks for regurgitation and aspiration of vomitus during general anesthesia that can lead to
severe aspiration pneumonitis, generalized hypoxia, permanent brain damage, or death. It is an absolute requirement that all patients undergoing general
anesthesia for elective procedures have empty stomachs.
Patients who currently have or have recently had symptoms of an URI (upper respiratory infection).
Patients with chronic systemic disease.
Patients with any systemic disease that is not well controlled by patient and physician.
Patients with active exacerbation of any respiratory condition including asthma, bronchitis, or COPD.
Patients who are obese.
Dr. Watkins will be happy to answer any other questions you may have. You can contact him via
email at
