In this answer
What oral sedation is like
You take medicine by mouth. You stay comfortable and relaxed, and most people tell us afterward they remember very little of the appointment.
Your surgeon decides what's right for you at your consultation, based on your health history and the medicines you take. It isn't one fixed plan for everyone.
Why we don't offer IV or general anesthesia
It helps with the fear. Most people who ask to be put under had a bad experience before. Getting through this calmly and awake gives you a good one, and the fear gets smaller. That can't happen while you're unconscious.
It avoids risk you don't need. General anesthesia carries real risks, some of them serious. For dental surgery of this length, we don't think the trade is worth it.
It helps us do better work. When every tooth in an arch is coming out, an unconscious patient needs a bite block, and it slips, presses on the gums and gets in the way. When you can open for us, we see the whole arch, and that's what guides where the implants go. The work is gentler too, which means less bruising and swelling, quicker healing and a lower chance of infection. Shorter surgery lowers that risk as well.
Nobody rushes you. We don't work around an anesthesiologist's schedule. If you arrive and you're not ready, we wait.
If being under matters to you
Some people have been through a lot. If being fully under is the only way you can face this, that's fair, and there are good practices that offer it.
We'd rather be clear about our choice than pretend to be flexible about it.
I am always very anxious but they did a great job in making me feel comfortable, and would give me breaks to feel calm.
Our view
Selling general anesthesia is easy, because almost everyone says yes to being completely out. We don't offer it because we think you get a better result without it: better implant positions, less trauma, quicker healing and a shorter day.
No one who has finished treatment here has told us they wish they'd been unconscious for it.
Quick answers
Can I pay extra to be put under?
No. We don't offer it at any price.
Will I remember the surgery?
Most people remember very little. Usually just being asked to open, and not much else.
What if I am extremely anxious about dentistry?
Most of our patients feel the same way, and it's a big part of why we work like this. Getting through it calmly and awake helps the fear shrink. Being put under takes away the experience without making it any better.
Is it safe if I have medical conditions?
We review it case by case, and some conditions mean talking with your physician first. Bring up anything relevant at your consultation.
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