Expert: Mark Bornfeld DDS - 11/28/2006

Question
Thank you for your help.

Is weight also an issue, I had the consultation last year and have been waiting for the procedure for over a year now and at the time I was a stone lighter, they did check blood pressure etc at the time and said it was fine.

If I've put on weight will this be an issue going under a general anaesthetic, or is it just dependant on what my blood pressure is?
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The text above is a follow-up to ...

-----Question-----
I am due to have my wisdom tooth out under a general anaesthetic but could possibly be 2/3 weeks pregnant, will I still be able to have the surgery?
-----Answer-----
Dear Rebecca,

I doubt very much that your oral surgeon will be enthusiastic about performing surgery or administering general anesthetic if you are pregnant.

If performing the extraction is urgent and time-critical, then  your surgeon and obstetrician will need to collaborate on how to implement treatment while exposing you and your baby to the least possible risk. Otherwise, it is best to defer the extraction until after you have your baby.

Hope this helps...

Mark Bornfeld DDS
www.dentaltwins.com
Brooklyn, NY

Answer
Dear Rebecca,

Except in cases of morbid obesity where there is compromise of the function of the respiratory or cardiovascular system, minor fluctuations in weight would be irrelevant to whether general anesthesia is feasible. However, there are any of a number of medical conditions that would preclude anesthesia-- mostly related to cardiovascular and respiratory health, but also other conditions that would affect the metabolism of the anesthetic agents. Pregnancy could well be a contraindication, so it is best to check with either your surgeon or the anesthesiologist who will be involved in the planned procedure.

Good luck!

Mark Bornfeld DDS