General Anesthesia at the Dentist
Experience anxiety-free and pain-free dental care under general anesthesia – ideal for complex procedures and patients with dental phobia. Trust our interdisciplinary team of anesthesiologists, dentists, and dental technicians in Vienna.
Relaxed at the Dentist: Everything You Need to Know About General Anesthesia
For many people, dental treatments can trigger anxiety or even a true phobia, often leading to delays or avoidance of necessary care. In such cases, general anesthesia at the dentist offers an effective solution to undergo treatment without stress or pain. In this article, you’ll learn all about the benefits, applications, and procedure of dental treatments under general anesthesia.
What Is General Anesthesia at the Dentist?
General anesthesia, also known as general anaesthesia, is a procedure in which both your consciousness and your perception of pain are completely suspended for the duration of the treatment. Unlike local anesthesia, where only the area being treated is numbed and you remain awake, general anesthesia places you in a deep, sleep-like state. This allows for a completely pain-free experience, even during extensive or particularly anxiety-inducing procedures.
Other Methods of Sedation
In addition to general anesthesia, there are also local anesthesia and sedation options. While local anesthesia only numbs the treatment area, sedation puts the patient into a relaxed, drowsy state. These methods are typically used for minor procedures or when general anesthesia is not recommended. Together with our specialist in anesthesiology and intensive care, we will discuss the most suitable anesthesia option for you individually.
When Is General Anesthesia Useful?
General anesthesia is particularly beneficial for extensive and time-consuming dental treatments where local anesthesia is insufficient. It provides a safe and comfortable solution for various patient groups and is often advantageous in complex procedures. For patients with severe dental anxiety or phobia, where the thought of treatment triggers panic, general anesthesia allows for a stress-free and gentle experience.
01.
Complex Dental Treatments
General anesthesia is used in many areas of dentistry. It is often applied during extensive implant placements, wisdom tooth extractions, root tip resections, or full-mouth restorations. It is also an important option for patients with dental phobia. For major dental procedures—such as placing multiple implants, removing several wisdom teeth, or performing comprehensive reconstructive work—general anesthesia is often the best choice. These procedures require time and precision, which could be highly stressful if you were conscious. With general anesthesia, you remain completely pain-free and relaxed throughout the treatment.
02.
Dental Anxiety and Phobic Patient
For patients who experience intense fear or panic at the thought of visiting the dentist, general anesthesia can be an ideal solution. Many avoid necessary treatments due to fear of pain or loss of control. General anesthesia enables a stress-free procedure without pain or unpleasant memories, effectively breaking the cycle of fear. Our experienced team of dentists and anesthesiologists ensures safe, compassionate care—without judgment or pressure.
03.
Treatment of Children and Patients with Special Needs
For children who are unable to sit still due to age or behavior, general anesthesia provides a safe way to perform essential dental treatments. It is also highly beneficial for patients with physical or intellectual disabilities who may have difficulty cooperating or staying calm. This method allows comprehensive treatments to be carried out safely and efficiently in a controlled environment.
04.
Strong Gag Reflex
Patients with a pronounced gag reflex often find dental procedures extremely uncomfortable or even impossible. General anesthesia suppresses this reflex, making even complex treatments smooth and complication-free.
05.
Allergies to Local Anesthetics
For patients who are allergic to common local anesthetics, general anesthesia can serve as an effective alternative. It allows pain-free treatment without triggering allergic reactions.
06.
Multiple Treatments in a Single Session
Another major advantage of general anesthesia is the ability to perform several dental treatments in one session. This saves time and reduces the number of dental visits—an especially valuable benefit for anxious patients.
Book your consultation online now →Treatment Procedure
Undergoing general anesthesia at the dentist requires careful planning and preparation to ensure maximum safety and comfort. Our team of experienced dentists and anesthesiologists works closely together to make sure every phase of your treatment runs smoothly. From the comprehensive pre-examination to post-treatment care, we guide you professionally through the entire process. Learn more about each step and how we make your treatment under general anesthesia as pleasant and stress-free as possible.
Consultation and Preoperative Information
Before every general anesthesia, you will first be contacted by our anesthesiologist for a detailed consultation. During this discussion, you will be informed about the procedure and all necessary requirements for a safe and complication-free anesthesia. We will also take this opportunity to address any questions or concerns you may have about the process.
Gentle Induction of Anesthesia
To initiate anesthesia, our anesthesiologist will insert a small intravenous line at the beginning of the treatment and administer fluids to maintain proper hydration throughout the procedure. You will then receive a fast-acting anesthetic to gently fall asleep. In special cases—for example, for patients with anxiety disorders or needle phobia—a premedication in the form of an oral sedative can be administered about one hour before induction to help you relax.
Maintaining Anesthesia & Dental Treatment
Once you are asleep, additional anesthetic medications are administered to maintain the anesthesia and ensure that both your consciousness and pain perception remain fully suppressed.
During this time, the actual dental treatment takes place.
Throughout the entire procedure, the anesthesia team remains by your side, continuously monitoring your vital signs — including blood pressure, oxygen saturation, heart rate, and breathing activity — to ensure your safety at all times.
Waking Up from Anesthesia
Once the dental treatment is complete, the anesthesiologist stops administering the anesthetic medications. You will wake up within a few minutes, similar to waking from a deep sleep.
Post-Treatment Monitoring
After the procedure, our medical team will continue to monitor you until you are fully awake. Following a final check-up, you will be safely discharged home.
Author
Dr. Matthias Göstel
Dentist, Medical Director
Dental Clinic Vienna Döbling
18.11.2025
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here you’ll find answers to the most common questions about dental treatment under general anesthesia. If you have further questions, feel free to contact us or schedule a consultation. We’re available Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 01 320 97 97 or via our a href="https://termine.softdent.at/zwd/serviceid/419860?utm_source=link&utm_medium=general-anesthesia&utm_content=faq&lang=en" target="_blank">online booking system. We look forward to your visit!
Pain-free treatment: Patients feel no pain during the procedure.
Fear-free experience: Ideal for patients with dental anxiety or phobia.
Multiple treatments in one session: Allows several procedures to be performed in one sitting, reducing overall treatment time.
Stress-free experience: Especially beneficial for patients with special needs or disabilities.
Patients with severe dental anxiety or phobia
Patients with special needs or disabilities
Children requiring extensive dental care
Patients undergoing complex or lengthy dental treatments
Highly qualified anesthesiology team ensures maximum safety.
Modern monitoring technology continuously observes vital functions throughout the procedure.
Common side effects: Temporary drowsiness or mild nausea that quickly subsides.
Rare complications: Extremely uncommon and promptly managed by our experienced anesthesiologists.
General anesthesia is a controlled medical procedure that induces a deep sleep, eliminating pain and anxiety during dental treatments — ideal for complex or lengthy procedures.
Yes. When performed by an experienced anesthesiologist using modern monitoring equipment, dental treatments under general anesthesia are very safe.
Most complex or time-consuming dental procedures can be done under general anesthesia. However, it’s not necessary or advisable for every case. Your dentist will determine the best approach during a detailed consultation.
You should avoid eating for at least six hours and drinking for about two hours before anesthesia. This minimizes complications. Our anesthesiologist will provide detailed preoperative instructions.
Yes. For patients with severe dental anxiety, general anesthesia is often an excellent option. Together with your dentist, we’ll determine if it’s the right choice for your individual situation.
No. Modern anesthesia techniques are extremely safe when monitored by experienced professionals. Complications are rare and minimized through thorough pre-examinations and constant monitoring.
This approach is ideal for patients with severe dental anxiety, children, individuals with special needs, and those requiring complex or lengthy treatments.
A full medical assessment and consultation will take place beforehand. You’ll receive specific preoperative instructions to ensure your safety and comfort during the procedure.
Arrival: Our team welcomes you and guides you through the process.
Preparation: Final consultation with the dentist and anesthesiologist. Vital signs are checked.
Induction: You’ll receive anesthesia medication and gently fall asleep.
Treatment: The dentist performs the procedure while your vital signs are continuously monitored.
Recovery: After the procedure, you’ll be gently awakened and monitored until you’re fully alert.
Discharge: Once stable, you’ll receive post-care instructions and can go home with an escort.
Recovery takes place under supervision immediately after the procedure. You’ll receive clear aftercare instructions for rest and recovery at home.
Temporary drowsiness or mild nausea may occur but usually pass quickly. Rare complications are immediately treated by our anesthesiology team.
No. You must be accompanied by someone, as you should not drive or use public transport after anesthesia.
The frequency depends on your medical condition and treatment needs. Our dentist and anesthesiologist will provide personalized advice.
The cost varies depending on the procedure’s duration and complexity. For an accurate quote, please schedule a consultation with our team.
Alternatives include local anesthesia or sedation (nitrous oxide or oral sedatives). These methods also provide pain relief but may not be suitable for patients with severe anxiety.
Our compassionate team specializes in treating patients with dental anxiety. We take time to explain every step and offer relaxation techniques or sedation options to make your visit stress-free.
That won’t happen. You’ll be continuously monitored by an anesthesiologist throughout the entire procedure.
No. You must remain fasting — no food six hours prior, no liquids two hours before the procedure — to ensure your safety.
The medication works within minutes, gently putting you into a deep, sleep-like state.
Coverage depends on your insurance policy and medical necessity. We recommend clarifying this with your insurance provider beforehand.
Rest for the remainder of the day and avoid physical exertion. Have someone accompany you home and follow your dentist’s instructions carefully.
You can contact us by phone, email, or online booking. Our team will arrange your appointment and discuss all necessary preparations.
Please inform us about any medical conditions, allergies, medications, or previous anesthesia experiences to ensure your safety.
No. Rest is recommended for at least one day following the procedure. The exact duration depends on your recovery.
Your vital signs are continuously monitored by our anesthesiologist. In healthy patients, general anesthesia does not negatively impact the heart or circulatory system.
Avoid physical activity, driving, and alcohol until the effects of anesthesia have completely worn off.
Refrain from intense exercise for several days after treatment to allow proper recovery.
The effects last only for the duration of the procedure. Mild drowsiness may persist for a few hours afterward.
Children require special care and a calm environment before, during, and after anesthesia. Our team ensures a child-friendly and stress-free experience.
General anesthesia induces a deep sleep and complete unconsciousness, while sedation relaxes you without full loss of awareness.
Anesthesia is usually administered intravenously or via inhalation. The anesthesiologist carefully monitors the process to ensure a smooth and safe induction.
Long-term effects are extremely rare. Most patients recover fully within hours, without any lasting issues, provided aftercare instructions are followed carefully.
