Dental Treatment Under General Anaesthetic (GA)
Some dental treatments can be very difficult for patients who are highly anxious, have special needs, or require extensive treatment. In certain cases, general anaesthetic (GA) may be recommended to carry out dental care safely and effectively. But only for patients who meet strict eligibility criteria
Who Can Receive Dental Treatment Under General Anaesthetic?
This service is strictly limited to:
- Children who have been referred into our dental service, and meet our clinical criteria, such as:
- Severe dental anxiety
- Complex medical or behavioural needs
- Multiple decayed or broken teeth where in-chair treatment is not possible
- Adults with severe learning disabilities who are unable to tolerate treatment using local anaesthetic or sedation
GA is not offered for:
- Nervous patients who could be treated using other methods
- Routine dental treatment that can be managed with local anaesthetic or sedation
- Orthodontic extractions
Waiting Times
Our current wait list for treatment under general anaesthetic is approximately 9–12 months, sometimes longer.
️Important Things to Do While Waiting for GA
While waiting for your hospital appointment, it’s very important to protect the teeth from further damage and reduce the risk of pain or infection. This is also essential for preventing a further general anaesthetic in the future
Dental Treatment Under General Anaesthetic Resources
Leaflets
- GA information Leaflet for Parents
- Post Op GA Instructions for Parents
- Frimley Park Hospital Paediatric Instruction Leaflet
- Dennis has an Anaesthetic
- Teen guide to GA
- Common events and risks for children and young people having a general anaesthetic
- Post Operative Instructions Social Story
- Adult Fasting Instructions for GA Social Story
- Children Fasting Instructions for GA Social Story
- Care after my hospital visit Social Story
- Extraction of deciduous teeth