General Anaesthesia for Dental Treatment

All procedures performed by dentists registered with the Dental Board of Australia.
General anaesthesia administered by qualified anaesthesiologists at an accredited hospital facility.
Hospital name and location provided during consultation.

At DentalCareXtra, we strive to provide thorough dental care. To ensure transparency and clarity regarding treatment under general anaesthesia, please note the following information:

Initial Consultation

During the comprehensive consultation, we will:

  • Review your or your child’s medical history thoroughly
  • Discuss why general anaesthesia may be needed
  • Discuss all risks in detail
  • Discuss alternative options
  • Provide a treatment plan estimate
  • Answer all questions
  • Provide time to consider this serious medical decision

If it is determined that treatment under general anaesthesia is appropriate, our staff will guide you through the necessary paperwork, consents, and provide information about the hospital location and timing of the surgery.

Treatment Plan Estimate

Please be aware that the treatment plan provided is an estimate and may vary depending on the findings during the general anaesthetic. If radiographs are required during the surgery, the treatment plan may change. In such cases, any additional payment required due to the revised treatment plan must be made on the following business day after your surgery. Conversely, if the actual treatment performed is less than expected, you will be reimbursed the difference in cost.

Booking Your Child’s Theatre Date

To secure your spot at the hospital, a non-refundable deposit of $500 is required. This deposit can be paid in person or over the phone using a credit card or via Direct Debit. The remaining Dental Treatment Fee must be paid in full 14 days prior to the surgery.

If your child becomes unwell, please inform us immediately so that we can reschedule the theatre date. Note: If your child has fever or illness, the procedure must be postponed due to increased anaesthesia risks.

Rescheduling Policy

If the full payment for the Dental Treatment Fee is not received 14 days prior to the surgery, your child’s theatre date will be rescheduled, even if the $500 deposit has been paid.

General Anaesthetic Fees

Treatment under general anaesthetic involves three main costs:

a) Dental Treatment Fee (payable directly to DentalCareXtra)
b) Hospital Fee (payable directly to the hospital)
c) Anaesthetist Fee (payable directly to the anaesthetic group)

The full payment for the Dental Treatment Fee is due 14 days prior to your surgery. You will be provided with the contact details for the hospital and the anaesthetic group. Please contact them directly to confirm the fees payable. The hospital and anaesthetic fees must be paid prior to the surgery.

Total costs are typically substantial (several thousand dollars for all three components combined).

Private Health Insurance:

If you have private health insurance, please contact your health fund to inquire about the reimbursement amount. The treatment plan provided to you contains the necessary codes (e.g., 022, 111, 121) that you will need to provide to your health fund.

  • ‘Extras’ coverage may contribute towards the dental treatment
  • ‘Hospital’ coverage may contribute towards the hospital fee

It is advisable to check with your health fund regarding any applicable excess charges for hospital admissions. Once the dental treatment is completed, we will email you an invoice, which you can use to claim your rebate through your health fund.

Child Dental Benefit Schedule (CDBS)

Unfortunately, the CDBS scheme does not provide coverage for any dental treatment performed at the hospital.

Questions and Support

We understand that considering general anaesthesia for your child can be a stressful experience. Our goal at DentalCareXtra is to ensure you have all the information needed to make an informed decision.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact our team for further information or advice. Our team is here to assist you.

Remember: You should obtain a second opinion before proceeding with general anaesthesia.

Understanding General Anaesthesia: Critical Information

General anaesthesia is a high-risk medical procedure. While complications are uncommon, serious risks including death can occur. Before making a decision, please read this important information carefully.

What Is General Anaesthesia?

General anaesthesia is different from sedation or “sleep.” When under general anaesthesia, you will be:

  • Completely unconscious with no awareness of the procedure
  • Unable to breathe on your own – a breathing tube and life support equipment are required
  • Monitored continuously by specialized equipment and an anaesthesiologist

This is a major medical intervention that requires careful consideration.

What Are the Risks?

Like any medical procedure, general anaesthesia carries risks ranging from common side effects to rare but serious complications.

Rare but Life-Threatening Risks:

While these complications are uncommon, they can occur:

  • Death – Dental anaesthesia deaths have occurred in Australia and internationally
  • Brain damage – Can result from oxygen deprivation
  • Heart attack or stroke – Particularly in patients with underlying conditions
  • Malignant hyperthermia – A rare genetic reaction causing dangerous fever and muscle breakdown
  • Aspiration pneumonia – Occurs when stomach contents enter the lungs

Serious Complications:

  • Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis)
  • Breathing difficulties or respiratory failure
  • Abnormal heart rhythms
  • Severe changes in blood pressure
  • Damage to teeth, lips, tongue, or throat from the breathing tube

Common Side Effects:

Most patients experience some of these temporary effects:

  • Nausea and vomiting (very common)
  • Sore throat and hoarseness
  • Dizziness and drowsiness lasting 24+ hours
  • Confusion, mood changes, or memory problems

Is General Anaesthesia Safe for You?

General anaesthesia may not be safe if you have:

  • A recent illness, cold, or fever
  • Heart problems or breathing conditions like severe asthma
  • Uncontrolled medical conditions
  • A family history of adverse reactions to anaesthesia
  • Certain other medical conditions

A thorough medical assessment will determine if general anaesthesia is safe for you.

Critical Fasting Rules

You MUST fast before the procedure to prevent aspiration (a life-threatening complication):

  • No solid food for 6-8 hours before
  • No liquids for 2 hours before

Important: If these rules are not followed, the procedure will be cancelled for your safety.

What to Expect After the Procedure

For the first 24 hours after general anaesthesia, you:

  • Cannot drive or operate machinery
  • Cannot make important decisions (legal, financial, etc.)
  • Need responsible adult supervision
  • Cannot return to work or school
  • May experience nausea, vomiting, and drowsiness

When to Seek Emergency Care:

Go to the emergency department or call 000 immediately if you experience:

  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  • Chest pain
  • Severe, persistent vomiting
  • High fever or severe bleeding
  • Extreme confusion or difficulty staying awake
  • Any other serious concerns

Is General Anaesthesia Necessary?

General anaesthesia should only be considered when:

  • There is a clear medical need that justifies the risks
  • Alternative, lower-risk options are not suitable
  • The benefits clearly outweigh the substantial risks

Consider These Alternatives First:

Before proceeding with general anaesthesia, ask about:

  • Behavioral guidance and relaxation techniques
  • Nitrous oxide (happy gas) – a much lower-risk option
  • Breaking treatment into multiple shorter appointments with local anaesthesia
  • Other sedation methods that don’t require full unconsciousness

Our Recommendation

Please obtain a second opinion from another qualified healthcare provider before proceeding with general anaesthesia. This is a serious medical decision that deserves careful consideration and additional professional input.

Questions?

We understand this is a lot of information and that considering general anaesthesia can be overwhelming. Please don’t hesitate to ask our team any questions you may have. We’re here to help you make the best decision for your health and safety.