FAQ (anesthesia)

We understand better than anyone that the step to dental treatment under anesthesia can be a big step. Not knowing what to expect can sometimes also form a barrier to taking the step. To help you with this and to make the treatment as transparent as possible, you will find the most frequently asked questions and answers about our anesthesia treatments here. Can’t find your question or do you want more information? You can always contact us. Our employees are happy to help you.

What are the costs of the anesthesia treatment?
We currently offer an anesthetic rate of €149 per half hour. We always count half an hour in total for initiating the anesthesia and waking up. This does not include the costs for dental treatment. Below is a calculation example:

• A20 – Treatment under general anesthesia € 298 per hour
• each extension of half an hour € 149

The costs of the first consultation with the dentist
Dental costs can vary and depend on the treatment plan, among other things. The costs for drawing up the treatment plan are approximately € 180. This amount consists of:

Code c012 – drawing up a treatment plan	€ 111,10
Code x21/x22 – making and assessing jaw overview photo (X-ray)*	€ 74,07

*Photos will be taken if necessary. The dentist determines whether this is necessary.

The 2021 dental rates have been determined by the Dutch Healthcare Authority (NZa). The descriptions and performance codes of 2021 have not changed compared to the year 2020. Health insurers refer to the document with the dental rates as the dental care policy rule of the Dutch Healthcare Authority.

 

Are there any risks associated with anesthesia? Is anesthesia safe?
Yes, there may be risks associated with the anesthesia treatment. During intubation (insertion of a breathing tube) a tooth can break off because a tube goes through the mouth. The contents of the stomach can end up in the lungs. For this reason, it is important to fast during treatment. Your blood pressure may fluctuate due to the anaesthetic.

 

I take medication. Can I still be under anesthesia?
Whether you can be treated under anesthesia depends on the type of medication. During the first interview, you will complete a medical questionnaire. This questionnaire is assessed by the anaesthesiologist. If it turns out that the medication can lead to possible complications, the anesthetist may decide that you cannot be treated under anaesthetic. During the anesthesia treatment, for example, an allergic reaction can occur because of the combination of the medication and the anaesthetic.

 

Are there conditions that I must meet in order to be treated under anesthesia?
There are a number of conditions that you must meet in order to be treated under anesthesia. As stated earlier, the use of medication can be a reason. Your BMI (body mass index) should not exceed the permitted index. Furthermore, your general health must be in order.

 

I am not eligible for anesthesia. Are there other options?
There are certainly other options or solutions to ensure that you can still be treated. In some cases laughing gas sedation can be a solution. This allows you to undergo the treatment with more peace of mind. Click here if you want to know more about laughing gas sedation. In certain cases, a tranquilizer tablet is sufficient or you can be treated by one of our anxiety specialists. We can also refer you to the hospital, this applies to limited treatments such as extractions.

 

From what age can you be treated under anesthesia at DentalZorg?
We usually treat patients from 18 years of age or older. In exceptional cases we can make an exception. The decision rests with our anesthetist.

 

Who provides the anesthesia treatment?
Professionalism and expertise are very important to us. That is why we work together with highly appointed anesthetists with more than 15 years of experience. DentalZorg works together with a permanent team of anesthetists. Anesthetic treatment is not like any other regular treatment. There is much more to it than that. Anesthetic treatment is always performed by an anesthesiologist. The anesthesiologist administers the anesthesia to the patient and monitors the entire process from start to finish, in order to ensure that the anesthesia treatment runs smoothly.

Our anesthesiologists are not only there during the treatment. Before each anaesthetic treatment, they will review your psychological and physical condition. Based on this medical evaluation, you will hear from us whether you are eligible for treatment under anesthesia. If the advice is negative, you should make an appointment with the dentist to discuss the alternatives. Our anesthesiologists therefore form an essential link in the entire anesthesia process.

 

Are the costs of the anesthesia reimbursed by your health insurance?
The costs of anesthesia are only reimbursed by certain health insurers in very exceptional cases. Anesthetic costs include the total treatment time of the anesthesia. To find out if you qualify, it is best to contact your health insurer.

Most dental costs are reimbursed through supplementary dental insurance. Dental costs include the costs for extractions, fillings, crowns and bridgework and the preparation of the treatment plan.

There are a number of treatments that are reimbursed from the basic insurance, such as complete dentures and in some cases implants in a toothless jaw.

 

How long does an anesthetic treatment take?
This depends on the duration of the treatment. We can treat under anesthesia for a maximum of 2 hours, excluding falling asleep and waking up time.

 

Who do I have an intake interview with and where does this take place?
With the anesthesia coordinator or with the team leader of the location.

Do I have to be sober before the anesthesia? If so, how long?
Yes, you must be completely sober. You should stop eating at least six hours before the treatment and you should stop drinking two hours before the treatment. You are absolutely allowed to stop smoking 6 hours before the treatment and 24 hours before the treatment. This minimizes the chance of vomiting during anesthesia. The times are discussed with you well before the day of anesthesia.

 

How far in advance do I have to be present?
We ask you to be present 15 minutes in advance.

 

Do I need to bring anything with me for the anesthesia treatment?
In principle, you do not need to take anything with you.

 

What kind of clothes can I wear?
It is recommended to wear comfortable clothes. Wear something with short sleeves, as an IV will be placed and blood pressure will be measured.

 

Can I come alone on the day of the anesthesia?
You can come alone, but you must leave the practice under supervision after the anesthesia treatment.

Are there any side effects of anesthesia?
Side effects may occur, but this depends on the treatment. It takes an average of a day for the anesthesia to wear off. Most side effects are a result of your health situation. For this reason, we try to rule out as many complications as possible in advance through the medical screening that we conduct from you.

In most cases, paracetamol and ibuprofen are sufficient to help with the side effects, unless otherwise indicated by the anesthetist

 

How do I wake up again?
The administration of sleeping pills will be stopped by the anesthetist, so that you regain consciousness. You will be escorted to the recovery room (recovery bedroom).

 

Can I go home immediately after the anesthesia?
If you have woken up well and no complications have occurred, you can go home under supervision.

 

I have a treatment of my own teeth and molars after dentures. When can I get my dentures?
You will receive your immediate prosthesis immediately after the treatment. In addition, you will usually have your first check-up with the dentist within 48 hours. The dentist will check the wounds and see how the prosthesis fits.

 

The anesthetic has worn off and now my jaw muscles or joints are bothering me. Is this normal?
Yes, this is normal. Your mouth has been open for a long time, which can cause pain.

 

Will I get a follow-up appointment for an After treatment check-up?
Yes, you will always get a follow-up appointment. You will be given a follow-up appointment the next day for dentures. With almost all other treatments you will receive an appointment within a week.