Different Types of Anesthesia In The Office
The anesthetic plan is tailored to every patient depending on their need, size, age, metabolism, medical history, and lifestyle habits.
Local Anesthesia
Also called local anesthesia
- An injection of local anesthetic that numbs a small area of the body
- You will be awake and alert during the procedure
- Some patients have resistance to local anesthetics, or severe anxiety or fear of needles
- Usually not enough as a sole anesthetic in young children
- You will have full awareness of time
Intravenous Sedation
Most appropriate for patients with anxiety, dental phobia, or local anesthesia resistance
- May be used in conjunction with local sedation
- Physician anesthesiologist will monitor heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, and other vital signs
- Minimal – you will feel relaxed but awake; able to interact with your doctor and follow directions
- Moderate – you will feel drowsy and may fall asleep; may or may not remember parts of the procedure
- Deep – you will sleep through the procedure with little or no memory of it; even long procedures feel like minutes
General Anesthesia
Most commonly used for major operations
- Many lifesaving procedures would not be possible without general anesthesia
- Administered by a physician anesthesiologist through a mask or an IV placed in the vein
- You will be unconscious; many of your body's functions will slow down or need assistance
- A tube may be placed in your throat to help you breathe
- Physician anesthesiologist will monitor your heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, and other vital signs throughout
- Time perception will be skewed — even lengthy procedures feel like minutes
Have Questions About Sedation?
Our team is happy to walk you through the best anesthesia option for your patient or procedure. Reach out today.