Anesthesia and sedation
Anesthesia and sedation options
Surgery can make anyone anxious, and being comfortable matters. We offer a range of anesthesia options and recommend the one that fits your procedure, your health, and your comfort. We will explain it clearly before your surgery.
- 1Fully awake
Local anesthesia
Medication numbs only the surgical area. You stay fully awake and alert, and you feel pressure but not pain. This is often all that is needed for a single, straightforward procedure.
Often used for: Simple extractions and shorter procedures
- 2Awake and relaxed
Nitrous oxide
Also called laughing gas, this is a mild relaxant you breathe in through a small mask, used alongside local anesthesia. It takes the edge off, and it wears off within minutes so you can usually drive yourself home.
Often used for: Mild anxiety and shorter visits
- 3Deeply relaxed
IV sedation
Medication is given through a vein so you drift into a deeply relaxed, sleep-like state. Most people remember little to nothing of the procedure. You will need someone to drive you home and stay with you afterward.
Often used for: Wisdom teeth, implants, and anxious patients
- 4Fully asleep
General anesthesia
You are fully asleep and monitored closely by our surgical anesthesia team throughout. This is used for more complex or longer procedures. You will need someone to drive you home and stay with you.
Often used for: Corrective jaw surgery and complex cases
Your safety during sedation
- Our surgeons are trained and credentialed in office-based anesthesia
- Your vital signs are monitored continuously during sedation
- We review your medical history and medications before every case