🦷Dental & Oral Surgery
Sedation and anesthesia for dental and oral procedures.
Educational information only. This guide is general and may not reflect your specific situation. Always follow the instructions from your own surgical and anesthesia team.
1 · Anesthesia commonly used
Many dental procedures use local anesthesia (numbing injections) alone. For anxious patients or complex surgery, sedation or general anesthesia may be offered.
Wisdom teeth removal and major oral surgery are sometimes done under general anesthesia or deep sedation.
2 · How to prepare
Tell your team about dental anxiety — sedation options can help.
Arrange an escort home if you have sedation or general anesthesia.
Follow specific fasting instructions if sedation is planned.
Wear comfortable clothing and remove jewelry.
3 · Fasting instructions
| Before surgery | Guidance |
|---|
| Solid food | Stop eating at least 6 hours before |
| Light meal / milk | At least 6 hours before |
| Clear fluids (water, clear juice) | Usually allowed up to 2 hours before |
| Alcohol | Avoid for 24 hours before |
| Smoking | Stop as early as possible before surgery |
4 · Medication guidance
Mention blood thinners — extractions can bleed. Your team will advise whether to adjust them.
Continue routine medications with a small sip of water unless told otherwise.
5 · On the day of surgery
For local anesthesia only, you stay fully awake and can drive afterward.
For sedation, you'll feel relaxed and drowsy and may not remember much.
For general anesthesia, you'll be fully asleep.
Monitoring is used throughout sedation and general anesthesia.
6 · Common risks & side effects
Numbness of lips/tongue for a few hours after local anesthetic.
Drowsiness after sedation — no driving that day.
Sore throat or nausea after general anesthesia.
Serious reactions are rare.
7 · Recovery expectations
After local anesthesia you recover quickly. After sedation or general anesthesia, plan to rest for the remainder of the day.
Follow post-op instructions for eating, oral hygiene, and pain relief carefully to avoid complications such as dry socket.
8 · Frequently asked questions
Will I feel pain?
Local anesthetic numbs the area completely. You may feel pressure but not sharp pain.
Can I drive home?
Only after local anesthesia alone. After sedation or general anesthesia you need an escort.
How long does numbness last?
Typically 2–4 hours. Avoid hot food and chewing the numb area.
Is sedation safe?
Yes, when given by trained professionals with monitoring.
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