Anesthesia Options

1. Local anesthesia-Local anesthesia is injections, or shots, given into the mouth to make the tooth numb prior to removing. The amount of shots required depends on tooth location and how many teeth need to be removed. The shots will be uncomfortable; however, there should be no pain when removing the teeth. If you are not anxious, this is a good choice. If you decide on local anesthesia you may drive yourself to the appointment and home.

2. Oral sedation and nitrous oxide-With oral sedation a pill is prescribed for you which you will take two hours before your appointment to relax you. In addition to the pill, nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, will be administered along with a local anesthetic (shots). You will still feel the shots, or injections, to numb the areas. With this technique you are more relaxed, however, you are still awake. If you are mildly anxious, this is a good choice. If you choose this method you will need a driver to and from your appointment.

3. IV sedation-With this method we give you medication through an IV. You will drift in and out of sleep. You will be asleep enough that you will not care nor remember. If you are moderately anxious, this is a good choice for you. Most people prefer this method when having wisdom teeth removed. This method requires you to have a driver to and from your appointment.

The choice of anesthetic is strictly up to the patient. The 3 choices are based on your level of anxiety about the procedure. It is your decision and your decision only.

Pediatric Oral Sedation

Your child has been scheduled to undergo a procedure using oral sedation. The following guidelines will help to assure his/her procedure runs smoothly:

  1. Do not let your child have anything but water to eat or drink for two hours beforehand.
  2. Please arrive one hour before the procedure is to begin and bring the prescribed medication with you.
  3. We will administer the medication and monitor your child for one full hour prior to beginning the procedure. During this time he/she may become drowsy or even doze off. This is normal and will usually last for several hours.
  4. We ask that you let us control the atmosphere; parents should be silent observers.
  5. Please avoid using words that may make your child anxious such as pain, shot, etc.
  6. We will review all instructions so that you will understand how to care for your child after the procedure. If you have a question, please feel free to call us at 785-228-0500.