Blog submitted by Dane Levy Attorney of www.Dentalmal.com, a provider of legal services for those injured by dental malpractice in CaliforniaThere can be serious complications from going under general anesthesia (GA) for dental complications. Here are a number of disadvantages highlighted;
General Anaesthesia can cause depressions in the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. In some dental malpractice case patients have elected to go under GA against most of the dentist’s recommendations.
For routine dental work, like fillings, it is not recommended to go under GA. This is because for fillings a breathing tube has to be inserted to remove bits of debris and saliva that can enter the airway.
It is recommended that lab tests, X-rays and ECG’s are done before going under GA, since there are risks involved.
It is vital that patients under GA have an advanced anesthesia team, that is well trained and experienced. Going under GA is a very technical process, since the operator has to handle a breathing tube. In this case the tongue is brought forward into the dentist’s way by the airway tubing. Since the muscles are paralyzed, the operator is working with dead weight during the entire procedure. In some instances operators have gotten very tired due to the hot lights, standing and the patient’s position. Due to operator tiredness, many patients have faced anesthesia deaths.
Patients have to remember that they cannot eat for 6 hours prior to the procedure to prevent possible vomiting during the GA procedure.
GA can cause increased dental anxiety.
GA can also increase an already expensive dental bill.
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If you suspect something like anesthesia injuries, contact a malpractice lawyer immediately