Dental Clinic Singapore, Dental Implant, Dentist Singapore

Anesthetic Options

INTRAVENOUS SEDATION

The Implant and Oral Surgery Centre offers a patient-friendly approach to anaesthesia for its surgery patients. Intravenous anaesthesia is an anaesthetic technique very well suited to small to medium sized operations and has become possible since the advent of a new generation of intravenous medications with unique properties. These remarkable medications, when administered by a qualified anaesthetist in a properly monitored setting, provide safe and comfortable sleep without many of the unpleasant side effects of a full, traditional general anaesthetic. Unlike most general anaesthetics, there is minimal decrease of the breathing rate and blood pressure so patients breathe calmly and slowly on their own. No breathing tubes or ventilators are required. The patients sleep soundly during the entire operation, feeling no pain and experiencing no anxiety. They wake quickly and comfortably with no memory of their procedure. The technique is used commonly in the United States for most outpatient cosmetic surgery procedures with an extremely high degree of patient safety and patient acceptance.

Some examples of procedures that may be performed under intravenous sedation are:

  • Implant surgery
  • Bone grafting
  • Sinus lift
  • Wisdom teeth removal

We have found that most patients prefer this type of anaesthetic to traditional general anaesthetics. They feel comfortable, wake within minutes and do so with less chance of nausea. They are able to be discharged from the clinic much earlier and experience none of the 'hang-over' effect of a full general anaesthetic. Intravenous sedation is safe, effective and extremely well tolerated.

PRE-OPERATIVE AND POST-OPERATIVE INSTRUCTION FOR INTRAVENOUS (IV) SEDATION

Before your operation:

  • You must ensure that you will be accompanied by a responsible adult who will escort you home after your operation. Please do not bring any children with you.
  • Do not eat or drink anything for five hours before your appointment time. Before this, you should only have a light, non-fatty meal.
  • Do not drink alcohol on the day of your operation.
  • Give us the details of any changes to your medical history or daily medications.
  • Continue to take all routine medications (including inhalers) at the usual times, unless you have been specifically advised otherwise.
  • If you feel unwell before your appointment, report this to us, because illness may affect your treatment.
  • Wear loose-fitting and comfortable clothing, with sleeves which can easily be pulled up beyond your elbows.
  • Clean your teeth thoroughly before coming in for your operation.

After your operation:

  • Your escort should take you home by private car, rather than public transport.
  • Rest for a few hours at home and take the rest of the day quietly.
  • Eat light and easily digestible food for the rest of the day.
  • Take any medicines which have been prescribed for you.
  • For 24 hours after receiving intravenous sedation:
    • Do not drive any vehicle, operate any machinery or use any domestic appliance.
    • Do not drink alcohol.
    • Do not return to work, make any important decisions or sign any legal documents.
GENERAL ANAESTHESIA

Alternatively, for some patients, they and the surgeon may decide that a full general anaesthetic is still the best choice. Discuss your options for anaesthesia during your consultation with your surgeon.

Dr Tay is fully accredited and has operating privileges at major hospitals in Singapore including Gleneagles Hospital, Mount Elizabeth Hospital, Raffles Hospital, Thomson Medical Centre, Mount Alvernia Hospital and Eastshore Hospital.