What Is Anesthesia?
Anesthesia uses medication to control pain and create a safer, more predictable experience during oral surgery procedures. It is often recommended for patients undergoing wisdom teeth removal, dental implant surgery, full arch restoration, bone grafting, and other complex surgical treatments.
We provide the full spectrum of anesthesia options, allowing us to safely manage everything from simple extractions to complex surgical cases. From mild nitrous oxide to full general anesthesia, every approach is selected based on your procedure, medical history, and individual needs.
Our Approach to Anesthesia
We provide a complete range of modern anesthesia options designed to support safety, surgical precision, and a better overall treatment experience.
Our anesthesia options include:
- Nitrous oxide: Inhaled through a small mask, this mild sedative is ideal for short dental procedures and patients who need light relaxation.
- Oral anesthesia: A medication taken before your appointment to help relieve dental anxiety and make your experience more comfortable.
- IV sedation: The most common and versatile form of sedation in our practice, offering precise and adjustable comfort throughout the procedure.
- Intranasal sedation: Medication is delivered through a nasal spray to help reduce anxiety without the need for needles. It takes effect quickly and provides a mild to moderate level of relaxation.
- General anesthesia: Used for complex or lengthy dental treatments, such as wisdom teeth removal or full arch dental implants. It is administered safely by our trained anesthesia team. Pediatric cases are managed in partnership with a board-certified dental anesthesiologist.
Advanced Safety and Comfort
IV sedation is safe, predictable, and allows for fine-tuned control during your procedure. Medications are adjusted to meet your individual needs and can be reversed if necessary. We also use AccuVein® technology to visualize veins beneath the skin, minimizing needle sticks and improving comfort during IV placement.
For added relief after surgery, we use Exparel®, an FDA-approved local anesthetic that provides up to 72 hours of pain control. This reduces the need for narcotics and supports a smoother recovery after dental procedures.
Expert, Compassionate Care
Our oral surgeons are board- certified and have advanced hospital-based anesthesia training. Each anesthesia plan is customized for comfort, safety, and peace of mind, whether you need a simple tooth extraction or full dental implant surgery.
In this video, our surgeons explain how a personalized approach to anesthesia creates a calm, controlled, and comfortable dental experience.
Your Comfort Is Our Priority
Anesthesia can completely transform your dental experience. It helps patients with dental anxiety receive the care they need while feeling calm, confident, and cared for. By combining advanced anesthesia options with expert monitoring, we ensure every patient receives safe, comfortable treatment and a positive outcome.
What to Expect
Knowing what happens at each stage helps reduce dental anxiety and prepares you for a smooth, confident experience.
1. Consultation and Review
Your visit begins with a full review of your health history and dental concerns. We’ll discuss your dental phobias, answer questions, and determine which method best fits your needs and planned dental treatments.
2. Day of Procedure
Your chosen anesthesia is administered before your dental procedure begins. Throughout treatment, your vital signs are continuously monitored. Most patients feel deeply relaxed and remember little or nothing afterward.
3. Recovery and Aftercare
Recovery time depends on the anesthesia type. Nitrous oxide wears off quickly, while oral, IV, and general anesthesia may take several hours. You’ll receive detailed aftercare instructions to help ensure a smooth recovery and continued oral health.
We’re Here to Support You
We welcome referrals, second opinions, and patients who want care from experienced surgeons who combine precision with compassion.
Our practice is in network with Delta Dental, Cigna, Premera, Regence, Aetna, GEHA, and LifeWise. For other dental insurance plans, we are happy to submit claims on your behalf and help you receive the maximum reimbursement available.
We also offer convenient financing options through CareCredit, Cherry, and Proceed Finance to make treatment as accessible as possible. Our administrative team is here to make every step of the process clear, smooth, and stress free.
FAQs
Is anesthesia safe?
Anesthesia is administered by board-certified oral surgeons using advanced monitoring and modern, reversible medications. This precise control makes treatment extremely safe and comfortable.Anesthesia is administered by board-certified oral surgeons using advanced monitoring and modern, reversible medications. This precise control makes treatment extremely safe and comfortable.
Will I be asleep during the procedure?
That depends on the method. With nitrous oxide or oral medication, you’ll feel calm but awake. IV and general anesthesia create a deeper, sleep-like state with little or no memory of the procedure.
Can I eat or drink before my appointment?
For oral, IV, or general anesthesia, you’ll receive specific fasting instructions beforehand. Nitrous oxide sedation usually does not require fasting.
Do you offer anesthesia for children?
At our offices, pediatric sedation is provided by Dr. Simon Prior, one of the top dual board-certified dental anesthesiologists. Anesthesia is carefully administered and monitored to ensure a safe, calm, and positive experience for every child.
What’s the difference between IV sedation and general anesthesia?
IV sedation creates a deep, sleep-like state where you are very relaxed and usually remember little or nothing about the procedure, but you are still breathing on your own. General anesthesia places you in a deeper level of unconsciousness and is typically used for more complex surgical cases.
