Having a general anaesthetic (GA) will mean you will be unconscious (fully asleep) throughout your dental treatment. Your GA will be administered by an experienced anaesthetist. You will meet the anaesthetist on the day of your procedure, and they will explain what to expect and be able to answer any questions.

Where will I be treated?

You will be admitted to the Day Surgery ward in Forth Valley Royal Hospital. Your treatment will be carried out in a nearby operating theatre.

From the main entrance pass the shops and take the lift C on the left of the corridor to the first floor. Turn left following signs for Ambulatory care and check in at reception.

What is pre-operative assessment?

All patients coming into hospital for planned surgery under a GA are required to attend a pre-operative assessment clinic some time prior to their operation. This is led by specially trained, registered nurses.

The purpose of the clinic is to assess your general health and ensure you are as fit as possible before undergoing anaesthetic surgery as well as explain the logistics for the day.

Your appointment may be face-to-face or virtual (using Near Me over a computer screen), or by telephone.

Face-to-face clinics are located in Area 1, Outpatient Department, Ground floor, Forth Valley Royal Hospital. To your left past the shops from main entrance.

What dental treatment will I have?

Your dentist will discuss your dental treatment with you prior to putting you on the waiting list. You may be asked to attend another appointment closer to the date of your GA to confirm your treatment plan.

On the day of your GA, your treatment plan will be confirmed again, by the dentist who will provide your care.

Some types of dental treatment are not offered under GA (root canal treatment/ crown and bridge or denture work).

We will do our best to plan treatment in a way that will minimise the risk of you needing further dental treatment under GA within the next 2 years. Any teeth that have deep decay that goes underneath the gum or close to the nerve will be extracted (taken out/removed). Teeth that are very mobile or worn will also be extracted. When you are unconscious, we will carry out a thorough examination and if treatment is required in addition to what has been planned, we will do this at the same time.

Often more teeth are extracted when treatment is carried out under GA compared with when treatment is done under sedation or local anaesthetic alone.

How long will my treatment take?

You should allow the whole day. You will be sent an appointment letter that will tell you what time you need to attend Forth Valley Royal Hospital. You will meet with the nursing staff, dentist and anaesthetist who will be caring for you. Your treatment may take several hours. In most cases you will be ready to return home later the same day.

Should I bring someone with me?

Yes.

Important:

• You must have a responsible adult to take you home
• Someone must stay with you at home overnight

Should I take my usual medication?

Yes. If you take regular medications, take these as normal with a sip of water, unless instructed otherwise. If you are diabetic and take insulin or tablets, or take blood thinning medications, you will be given specific advice about these medications at the pre-assessment clinic.

Important:

• Please bring all your daily medication, in their original containers with you on the day of your GA.

Do I need to fast before my general anaesthetic?

Yes.

You will be given instructions about fasting when you have your pre-assessment. Please read these carefully and ask questions if the instructions are unclear. If you don’t follow fasting instructions fully, then your procedure may need to be cancelled.

What should I wear?

You should wear comfortable, loose clothing. You should not wear makeup, nail varnish, body piercings or jewellery.

Do I need to arrange transport?

Yes.

You will be asked to make your own travel arrangements by car or taxi. Under no circumstances should you drive or use public transport after a general anaesthetic.

How will I be informed of my admission date?

You will receive your appointment letter by post.

What will happen after my general anaesthetic?

Once your dental treatment is complete, the anaesthetic drugs are stopped or reversed so you regain consciousness. You will be taken to the recovery room and be cared for by recovery staff as you start to wake up.

After your anaesthetic, you might feel:

• Sick (Nausea and vomiting)
• Pain
• A sore throat
• Sleepy or dizzy
• Your mouth may be numb if local anaesthetic was used.
• Tooth sockets usually bleed when teeth have been taken out.

Once the recovery staff are happy you have recovered from the anaesthetic you will be taken back to day surgery. There, nursing staff will allow you to rest and then carry out checks before allowing you to go home.

Fuller details of anaesthetic issues can be read at this website: Risks associated with general anaesthesia | The Royal College of Anaesthetists

What if I cannot attend my appointment?

If you need to cancel or reschedule your GA appointment, it is important to let us know in advance so that we can offer the appointment to someone else who is waiting to be seen.

We understand that there are many medical and social issues that make it difficult to attend appointments. If you feel this applies to you, please let us know if there is any additional support we can offer to help you access dental care.

If you need this information in another format or need extra support, please contact us – we’re happy to help.

Interpreter support (including BSL) can be arranged if needed.