Providing Dental Care
Specific Treatment Considerations
Behavior Management: General Anesthesia
General anesthesia or deep sedation should be the last resort in the
behavioral management armamentarium. However, for the most uncooperative
patients, it is often the most ideal method. During general anesthesia
an anesthesia team manages the patient's medical status and vital signs
while the dental team concentrates on the dental procedures.
Obviously, informed consent must be obtained from the mentally competent
patient or the legal guardian. A physical examination and certain lab tests
will be required prior to the administration of general anesthesia.
