Question 1

What sedation options are available?

Accepted Answer

Three levels. Nitrous oxide (mild relaxation, you can drive home). Oral sedation (minimal sedation, you will need a ride). General anesthesia administered by a board-certified anesthesiologist in our office (for longer procedures, complex surgery, or patients who need complete comfort). You do not need to go to a hospital or surgical center.

Question 2

Is sedation safe?

Accepted Answer

Yes, when administered by trained professionals with appropriate monitoring. Dr. Kary reviews your medical history and selects the safest option for your situation. For general anesthesia, a board-certified anesthesiologist manages the sedation independently.

Question 3

Can sedation help me get multiple procedures done at once?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Sedation allows longer appointments and multiple procedures in fewer visits, which is especially useful for patients with complex treatment needs.

Question 4

What if I have dental anxiety?

Accepted Answer

You are not unusual. We offer nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and in-office general anesthesia with a board-certified anesthesiologist. Sedation is available for any procedure, and we discuss your options before scheduling so there are no surprises. The office also has heated massage chairs for additional comfort during longer appointments.

Question 5

Will I be asleep, and will I remember the procedure?

Accepted Answer

That depends on the level. With nitrous oxide you are awake and aware, just relaxed. With oral sedation you are conscious but deeply relaxed, and many patients remember little or nothing afterward. Under general anesthesia you are fully unconscious and will not remember any of it.

Question 6

Can I drive myself home?

Accepted Answer

After nitrous oxide, yes. It clears within minutes once the mask comes off. After oral sedation or general anesthesia you will need someone to drive you, and you should plan on not working or making decisions for the rest of the day.

Question 7

How do I prepare for a sedation appointment?

Accepted Answer

You are given specific instructions in advance, which typically cover when to stop eating and drinking, which medications to take or hold, and arranging a ride. Bring a current list of your medications and supplements. Tell us about any change in your health between scheduling and the appointment itself, even a cold.

Question 8

Can I have sedation for a routine cleaning or filling?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Sedation is available for any procedure, not just surgery. For patients who have avoided dental care for years because of anxiety, starting with sedation for basic treatment is often what makes it possible to get caught up at all.

Question 9

Is general anesthesia done here or at a hospital?

Accepted Answer

Here. A board-certified anesthesiologist comes to our office and manages the anesthesia while Dr. Kary performs the treatment. That avoids a hospital or surgical center admission, along with the separate facility fees and scheduling delays that come with one.

Question 10

Does insurance cover sedation?

Accepted Answer

It varies. Nitrous oxide is often covered or inexpensive, while coverage for oral sedation and general anesthesia depends on your plan and the procedure it accompanies. We verify benefits ahead of time and give you a written estimate that states the sedation cost separately.

Sedation Dentistry

Levels of sedation available:

Frequently Asked Questions