Anesthesia and Sedation

The dentist might recommend administered anesthesia or sedation to relax you in order to safely complete some dental procedures. 

Local anesthesia is a type of anesthetic used to prevent pain in a specific area of your mouth during treatment by blocking the nerves that sense or transmit pain, which numbs mouth tissues. Your dentist may apply a topical anesthetic to numb an area in preparation for administering an injectable local anesthetic.

For some dental visits, your dentist may use a sedative, which can induce moderate sedation. Sedatives can be administered before or during dental procedures. Sedation methods include inhalation (using nitrous oxide), oral (by taking a pill) and intravenous (by injection). More complex treatments may require drugs that can induce deep sedation, reducing consciousness in order to relieve both pain and anxiety. On occasion, general anesthesia can be used, in which drugs cause a temporary loss of consciousness.

Anesthesia allows the oral surgeon to safely perform complex procedures in the office. Dr. Frattellone and his staff are highly trained in sedation procedures, providing for a patient’s safety and comfort by utilizing a state-of-the-art ambulatory office setting. Patients are continuously monitored during and after surgery.