Dental Sedation (Anesthesia)

How Anesthesia Works

The word anesthesia literally means “without sensation.” Anesthetics can be general, regional, or local and are used for various reasons, including helping with pain and reducing dental anxiety during a procedure, so you don’t have to compromise your oral health. We want you to feel comfortable throughout your procedure, so we offer nitrous oxide and IV (intravenous) forms of sedation to ensure the highest level of comfort for our patients.

Benefits of Sedation Dentistry

The benefits of sedation dentistry are plentiful. Here are some of the benefits you can expect from our dental anesthesiology services:

• Reduced anxiety and fear associated with dental visits
• Allows for more complex procedures to be completed in fewer appointments
• Helps those with physical or mental limitations stay still during exams and treatments
• Reduces pain and increases patient comfort throughout the procedure
• Can help those with a strong gag reflex remain relaxed during appointments 

Types Of Sedation Dentistry

At Oral Facial and Implant Specialists, we offer a variety of sedation methods to ensure that our patients are comfortable during their surgical procedures. These include:

Local Anesthesia

Local anesthetics are used to numb specific areas of the mouth. This type of anesthesia is most commonly used for simple procedures or with other forms of sedation for longer procedures. Local anesthetic is administered with a small needle and typically wears off within an hour or two after the procedure is complete.

Oral Sedation

For patients that do not want or require deeper levels of sedation we can provide a prescription  that you can take an hour before surgery that will relax you and improve your surgical experience.  You will need a driver with this level of anesthesia.   

Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)

Often referred to as “laughing gas,” nitrous oxide is a mild sedative breathed in through a mask that produces feelings of relaxation, euphoria, and drowsiness. It has no adverse effects after the procedure and is safe for children and adults. There are numerous advantages of nitrous oxide, including the following:

• Fast acting and can be adjusted quickly
• Easy to administer
• Provides pain relief as well as relaxation effects
• After-effects wear off quickly, allowing you to drive yourself home
• The amount of sedation given is easily controlled 

IV Sedation (Intravenous)

Intravenous sedation is administered directly into the patient’s bloodstream. It is a stronger form of sedation and produces a deeper state of relaxation that usually lasts for the duration of the procedure. Patients can breathe on their own and have full control of bodily functions.

To administer sedation, a small needle is inserted in the patient’s arm. The needle is attached to a small intravenous tube that goes into an IV bag which delivers the sedative. The amount of sedation is monitored and adjusted throughout the procedure.

IV sedation can be used for both minor and more complicated procedures. During the procedure, you may slip in and out of sleep or fall asleep the whole time. Your vital signs, such as heart and breathing rates, are monitored throughout the procedure to ensure your safety.

Before IV sedation, you should not eat or drink anything for 8 hours before the procedure. It is important that you tell our team if you are pregnant, use a CPAP device,  have a history of drug allergies or other medical conditions, and what medications/drugs you may be taking. You will also need to have a responsible adult with you to drive you home after your procedure. It is best to refrain from driving for at least 24 hours. 

General Anesthesia

Similar to I.V sedation but at a deeper level in which you are completely asleep. General anesthesia is typically used in more advanced surgeries or where the patient’s anxiety level can not be managed adequately with I.V. sedation.  

Benefits of IV sedation

• Reduces fear and anxiety during treatment
• Decreases awareness of pain or discomfort
• Minimizes the amount of time needed to complete a procedure
• Safe and well tolerated with few side effects
• After-effects wear off quickly 

Risks of Sedation

Despite the many advantages of dental sedation, there are also risks to consider. Although rare, these include:

• Possible allergic reaction to the medication
• Nausea or vomiting from the medications
• Breathing problems while under sedation
• Slower heart rate and/or blood pressure drops

Before undergoing any type of sedation, speak with your surgeon about any underlying health conditions you may have, your level of anxiety, or any medications you are taking. This information will help the dentist determine which type of sedation, if any, is suitable for you.

Frequently Asked Questions