Dental Anesthesia
Your comfort and wellness are at the heart of what we do. We are here to hear your concerns and provide the right health solutions for your path forward. For any questions about your care, please connect with us online or dial (334) 209-1352.
Several methods of anesthesia are available. The method of anesthesia that is chosen for or by a patient depends upon the nature of the surgical procedure and the patient's level of apprehension.
Anesthesia Options
We offer several anesthesia and sedation options to help make your procedure as comfortable and stress-free as possible. Your doctor will discuss your options with you and recommend the approach that best fits your procedure, medical history, and individual needs.
Local Anesthetic
With local anesthetic, you remain fully conscious and awake throughout the procedure. A local anesthetic, such as lidocaine, is administered directly to the area being treated to numb the surgical site and prevent pain. You may feel pressure or movement during the procedure, but you should not feel sharp pain.
Local anesthetic is used with all other forms of anesthesia and sedation for oral surgery.
Nitrous Oxide Sedation with Local Anesthetic
Nitrous oxide, commonly known as “laughing gas,” is a mild form of sedation that is administered through a small nasal breathing mask. A mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen helps you feel relaxed and less anxious while allowing you to remain conscious and responsive throughout the procedure.
Many patients describe the feeling as calm, comfortable, or slightly lightheaded. Nitrous oxide also has a mild pain-relieving effect and can help reduce anxiety and make the procedure feel easier. The level of sedation can be adjusted throughout the procedure based on your comfort.
Because nitrous oxide is quickly eliminated from the body once it is stopped, patients generally return to their normal level of alertness quickly after treatment. Your doctor will provide specific instructions regarding eating, medications, and driving based on your procedure and sedation plan.
IV Moderate Conscious Sedation with Local Anesthetic
(Twilight Sedation)
IV sedation provides a deeper level of relaxation than nitrous oxide. Medications are administered through an intravenous (IV) line, allowing the level of sedation to be carefully adjusted throughout your procedure.
You will remain responsive to the doctor when needed, but you will be very relaxed and may have little or no memory of the procedure afterward. Many patients describe the experience as feeling like they were asleep or that the procedure passed very quickly.
Supplemental oxygen is provided through a nasal breathing mask, and your vital signs are continuously monitored throughout treatment. Local anesthetic is also used to numb the surgical area and provide pain control.
Because IV sedation can temporarily affect your coordination, alertness, and judgment, you will need a responsible adult to drive you home and remain with you as directed after your procedure. You should plan to rest for the remainder of the day and follow all post-sedation instructions provided by our team.
Your doctor will review your medical history, procedure, and comfort level with you before treatment and discuss the anesthesia or sedation option that is most appropriate for your needs.