In both restorative dentistry practices and oral surgery, dental anesthetics are used to numb the area receiving work. This provides a more comfortable experience for the patient and ensures the dentist or oral surgeon can work efficiently. If you’re scheduled for a dental procedure, you may be curious about the different types of anesthesia.

An Introductory Guide to Dental Anesthetics

What Is Local Anesthesia?

Local anesthesia is a type of dental numbing agent that is typically injected into the gums to desensitize a specific portion of the mouth. It may be used for drilling cavities, performing root canal therapy, and similar restorative dentistry procedures. Your dentist may first apply a topical anesthetic to the injection site to minimize discomfort. As a result, most patients only feel a temporary sensation of pressure.

What Is Nitrous Oxide?

While not technically classified as an anesthetic, nitrous oxide (also referred to as laughing gas or sedation dentistry) can be used to relax patients and control pain. The gas won’t cause a patient to lose consciousness, but it does impact the nervous system, producing a calming effect. It is often used in conjunction with local anesthetics in patients who may experience dental anxiety. The gas is given through a breathing mask that is situated over the nose. 

What Is Intravenous Anesthesia Sedation?

Commonly used for oral surgery, sedation dentistry is a form of anesthesia administered intravenously (IV). This reduces consciousness to alleviate pain and reduce anxiety. Often, patients who receive IV anesthesia have little or no memory of their oral surgery procedure. Because it does cause a loss of or reduced consciousness, patients who receive IV anesthesia should arrange for transportation to and from their appointment and follow any additional instructions provided by their surgeon.

If you’ve been recommended for oral surgery and are seeking a team of trusted experts to perform your procedure, turn to Oral Surgery Center, S.C. in Baraboo, WI. Their full-service dentist’s office provides a wide range of treatments, including wisdom tooth removal, jaw surgery, and dental implant and bone grafting procedures. Learn more about what to expect before IV sedation by visiting their website or call (608) 356-2112 to schedule an appointment.