Will I feel any pain if I only receive a local anesthetic?

No. A local anesthetic is highly effective at completely removing the sensation of pain so that the oral surgery can be easily tolerated. While you may feel some physical pressure—such as the pushing or pulling associated with a tooth extraction—the surgical area will remain entirely numb and pain-free.

What is the difference between IV sedation and general anesthesia?

IV sedation, or conscious sedation, allows you to fall asleep quickly and comfortably for moderately complex procedures. General anesthesia provides the deepest possible level of sleep and is typically reserved for highly complex surgeries, requiring a dedicated anesthesiologist to monitor your breathing and vitals throughout the entire procedure.

Do I need someone to drive me home after my surgery?

Yes. If you undergo either IV sedation or general anesthesia, you will need a responsible adultto escort you back home by car or taxi. We strongly recommend having an adult stay at homewith you for the rest of the day to assist as needed.

Anesthesia

General Anesthesia for Complex Care

For more complex oral surgical procedures, such as the extraction of difficult impacted wisdom teeth or advanced dental implant surgeries, general anesthesia provides the deepest level of sleep. This method involves a dedicated anesthesiologist who carefully administers the medication, places a breathing tube to maintain proper respiration, and monitors you continuously. Following both IV sedation and general anesthesia, it typically takes 15 to 30 minutes to wake up, and a responsible adult must be available to safely escort you home.

Ready to Restore Your Smile?

Take the first step toward your customized treatment plan.

To streamline your visit to our North Vancouver clinics, please complete your comprehensive medical history through our secure digital system.

Patient Intake

Prioritizing Patient Comfort: Local Anesthesia

When it comes to oral surgery, your comfort and safety are our absolute highest priorities. The specific method of anesthesia chosen depends entirely on the nature of your surgical procedure and your personal level of apprehension. For many routine procedures, a local anesthetic is administered directly into the tissue to completely remove the sensation of pain. While you are fully awake and may still feel the pressure of the procedure, you will remain comfortable. In some cases, this technique is combined with an oral sedative to help you feel more relaxed.

Patient Intake

FAQ

Anesthesia

Intravenous (IV) Sedation

If you are nervous about your procedure or simply prefer to be asleep during the surgery, IV (intravenous) sedation—also known as conscious sedation—is an excellent option. After a brief evaluation of your medical history during your consultation, the medication is administered through an IV line, allowing you to peacefully fall asleep within one to two minutes. Throughout the entire surgical process, our doctors and staff continually monitor your vitals using specialized equipment, including heart rhythm and blood pressure monitors, to ensure your absolute safety.