Anesthesia Options

Local Anesthesia
A topical anesthetic is used to numb an area in preparation for administering an injectable local anesthetic. Injectable local anesthetics, often called novocaine, prevent discomfort in a specific area of your mouth during treatment by blocking the nerves to numb the teeth and oral tissues.

General Anesthesia
Intravenous medications that can induce a light or deep sleep are administered to relieve both discomfort and anxiety. With the newest anesthesia agents available, recovery is rapid, allowing most patients to leave the office shortly after the procedure is completed. Patients having general anesthesia cannot eat or drink for six hours prior to their appointment and must have an accompanying adult accompany them to drive them home.

Pediatric Oral Sedation
The latest development in anesthetic agents is available to the pediatric population in the form of a cherry flavored liquid that the patient drinks in our office. The child then drifts into a light "twilight zone" sleep within minutes and the procedure is safely and effectively performed.

Inhalation Anesthesia
Also an alternate to intravenous anesthesia, Nitrous Oxide, or "laughing gas," is used for the pediatric population to decrease anxiety while undergoing oral surgery.