Local Anesthesia

Local anesthetics are those that affect only a small portion of the body. They work locally to numb the area and ensure the patient doesn’t feel any discomfort during surgery. Lidocaine is a common numbing medication that is injected directly into the affected area and takes effect quickly.  Patients are conscious and aware during local anesthesia, but should not feel any discomfort. It is typically used in simple tooth extractions.  Please note, patients will receive local anesthesia for all procedures.

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Nitrous Oxide - "Laughing Gas"

This method of anesthesia combines the localization of an anesthetic with the calming effects of nitrous oxide (also known as “laughing gas”). A mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen is breathed through a mask or nose-piece, allowing a patient to be aware during the procedure while remaining relaxed. This method also may include a sedative agent. Patients with anxiety about dental care might prefer this type of anesthesia for simple procedures. It also is an option for more involved procedures, such as placement of dental implants or removal of wisdom teeth. This form of sedation requires a consultation prior to the procedure. * 

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Intravenous (IV) Sedation

Sometimes referred to as “twilight sedation,” intravenous (IV) moderate sedation places a patient in a state between awake and asleep, drifting in and out of consciousness. Although patients are partially conscious, few remember anything from the procedure other than feeling sleepy and relaxed. Moderate sedation often can be used instead of minimal sedation for procedures such as removal of impacted wisdom teeth. This form of sedation requires a consultation prior to the procedure. *

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General Anesthesia

The combination of medications used to put patients to “sleep” before surgery or another medical procedure is called general anesthesia. Under this type of anesthesia, patients are completely unconscious, though it will likely feel as if simply going to sleep to the patient. The key difference is the patient doesn’t respond to reflexes or pain signals. Again, this type of sedation is only preformed in a hospital setting and requires a consultation prior to the procedure. *

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* On the day of the procedure, patients must receive a ride to the office, be accompanied in the office the whole duration of the procedure and receive a ride home after the procedure by an individual over the age of 18.