Anesthesia Options

A full range of safe, tailored anesthesia options designed to keep you comfortable and at ease during your procedure.

Understanding Your Anesthesia Options

Not every oral surgery procedure is the same, and neither is every patient's experience. The type of anesthesia selected depends on the nature of the surgical procedure and how much anxiety or sensitivity a patient may have. The goal is always to keep you comfortable and safe throughout your treatment.

Types of Anesthesia

Local Anesthetic

Local anesthetic, such as lidocaine, is injected directly into the area being treated. You remain fully awake and alert throughout the procedure. This type of anesthetic is used in some form during every oral surgery procedure, often alongside other methods.

Best suited for: Minor soft tissue procedures and straightforward tooth extractions.

Nitrous Oxide Sedation with Local Anesthetic

Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, is delivered through a small nasal breathing apparatus along with oxygen. You stay conscious but enter a relaxed, calm state. Nitrous oxide provides both a sedative and pain-reducing effect, making it a comfortable option for a range of procedures.

Best suited for: Simple to moderately complex procedures, including wisdom tooth removal and dental implant placement.

Office-Based General Anesthesia with Local Anesthetic

Medication is delivered through an intravenous line, allowing you to fall into a deep sleep. You will have no awareness of the procedure. Medications commonly used include Fentanyl, Versed, Ketamine, and Diprivan. Oxygen is supplied through a nasal apparatus, and vital signs are monitored throughout.

This option is available for all types of oral surgery. Many patients who are having wisdom teeth removed or implants placed choose general anesthesia. It may also be necessary when local anesthesia alone is insufficient, which can happen in the presence of infection.

Best suited for: Most oral surgery procedures, including wisdom teeth removal and implant placement. Also appropriate for patients with higher levels of anxiety.

Hospital or Surgery Center Based General Anesthesia

For more extensive procedures, anesthesia may be administered at a hospital or surgery center by an anesthesiologist.

Best suited for: Complex procedures such as jaw reconstruction and TMJ surgery, or patients with significant medical conditions such as heart disease or lung disease.

How General Anesthesia Licensing Works

Performing general anesthesia in an office setting requires a high level of training and oversight. An oral surgeon must complete a minimum of three months of hospital-based anesthesia training before applying for licensure.

Following that training, an in-office evaluation is conducted by a state dental board-appointed examiner. During this evaluation, the examiner observes a live surgical procedure in which general anesthesia is administered. All monitoring equipment and emergency protocols are reviewed, and the doctor and surgical staff are tested on anesthesia-related emergency responses.

Upon successful completion, the state dental board issues a license to perform general anesthesia. That license must be renewed every two years, with the doctor maintaining required continuing education in anesthesia throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I be awake during my procedure?

That depends on the type of anesthesia used. With local anesthetic or nitrous oxide, you remain conscious throughout. With general anesthesia administered through an IV, you will be fully asleep and unaware of the procedure.

How is the right anesthesia option chosen?

The selection is based on two main factors: the type of procedure being performed and your personal level of comfort or anxiety. More complex or lengthy procedures typically call for deeper sedation, while straightforward cases may only require local anesthetic.

Is nitrous oxide the same as being put to sleep?

No. Nitrous oxide keeps you conscious but relaxed. It has a calming and mild pain-reducing effect, but you remain aware of your surroundings. General anesthesia, by contrast, renders you fully unconscious.

What medications are used for general anesthesia in the office?

Commonly used medications include Fentanyl, Versed, Ketamine, and Diprivan. Supplemental oxygen is provided throughout, and patient vital signs are continuously monitored.

Is office-based general anesthesia safe?

Yes. Oral surgeons who perform general anesthesia in an office setting are required to complete hospital-based anesthesia training, pass an in-office evaluation by a state-appointed examiner, and hold an active state license that must be renewed every two years.