Sedation and General Anesthesia

We value your comfort and making your experience with us as pleasant as possible. We will thoroughly present treatment options and explain our procedures. It is our goal to have you feel secure in the treatment you receive.

We use the latest techniques to ensure that you are comfortable during each procedure. Oral sedation, intravenous sedation, local anaesthesia and general anaesthesia can be offered to manage anxiety and control discomfort under the procedure. These options will be discussed with you during the treatment planning consultation.

What is the difference between oral sedation, local anesthesia, intravenous sedation, and general anesthesia?

Oral Sedation

Oral sedation can be achieved using medication taken by the mouth prior to the surgery. Although the sedation will make you drowsy, you will still be awake and conscious during the procedure. In addition to the oral sedation your doctor will also perform a local anesthesia in the mouth.

Local Anesthesia

Local anesthesia is an injection in the mouth given by your doctor in order to numb the area and avoid any painful sensation the patient might feel during the surgery. It is always used for all types of surgery.

Intravenous Sedation

Intravenous sedation, also known as IV, is often used in our clinic and recommended to patients who experience anxiety, stress before a dental procedure. With IV sedation, medication is administrated through a catheter in the patient’s arm in order to help you relax. Some patients even fall asleep.

General Anesthesia

Under general anesthesia, a combination of intravenous drugs and inhalation gasses are used to put the patient to sleep. With general anesthesia, there is no awareness during the surgery.  General anesthesia is done at the hospital in the operation room with an anesthesiologist.

How to prepare for an intravenous sedation

All our surgical procedures could be performed under sedation in the office. Conscious and deep sedations are safe procedures that help relieve the anxiety and stress of a dental procedure. Ask our doctors about this option if you are concerned or anxious about a dental procedure. This option can be discussed with our doctor if you are concerned or anxious during a dental procedure. It is very important that you follow the below IV instructions very closely.

1. The meal before your appointment should consist of light food and fluids such as broth, tea, or Jello, and should be taken no less then 6 hours prior to your appointment. Do not eat meat, fried or fatty foods. You may drink clear fluids (water, fruit juices, carbonated beverages, clear tea, black coffee) until 2 hours before your appointment.
2. If you are given medication to take before your appointment, it should be taken with a small amount of water, one hour prior to the appointment.
3. DO NOT take other medications on the day of surgery without checking with your surgeon.
4. It is advisable to wear loose-fitting clothing to make you more comfortable. Short sleeve shirts or blouses are necessary, so we can see your arm for monitor placement and intravenous access. After your appointment the medications used will still be in your system. The following precautions should be followed:

• You MUST be accompanied home in a car or taxi by a responsible adult who will stay with you the remainder of the day. No public transportation.
• Change position slowly. Sudden standing or sitting up may cause dizziness.
• No driving or operating machinery for the rest of the day after the surgery.
• No alcoholic beverages for 24 hours.
• Rest at home with your head slightly elevated for the rest of the day.

If you follow these guidelines along with your surgeon’s post-operative instructions, you will find the procedure will go smoothly and comfortably.