Propofol as the main anaesthetic agent in dental surgery

Propofol was used as the main anaesthetic agent for induction and maintenance of anaesthesia in 30 patients undergoing dental surgery requiring tracheal intubation. Anaesthesia was successfully induced and intubation performed in all patients, with a propofol induction dose of 3.5 mg/kg and without muscle relaxants or opioids. Intubating conditions were good for 77% of the patients. No haemodynamic changes occurred. Maintenance with propofol 9 mg/kg/h and 70% nitrous oxide provided suitable conditions for surgery. Awakening and recovery times were short and few side effects were recorded. However, post-operative dental pain was systematically recorded and was present in 60% of the patients.