General anaesthesia in the dental surgery: a comparison of propofol and methohexitone.

General anaesthesia was assessed in 100 dental patients in general dental practice using either propofol or methohexitone. Mean induction doses were 1.7 mg/kg and 1.5 mg/kg for propofol and methohexitone, respectively. Anaesthesia was maintained with nitrous oxide and oxygen, supplemented in the majority of cases with halothane. Both groups were comparable in relation to satisfactory surgical conditions and recovery. The maximum heart rate following induction of anaesthesia was significantly greater in the group given methohexitone. Despite the satisfactory results obtained in this study the need for full resuscitation facilities will encourage the trend towards most dental general anaesthesia taking place in a hospital environment.