Anesthesia & Sedation

Anesthesia and Sedation Basics

Our office offers multiple forms of sedation and anesthesia for your comfort. Local anesthesia blocks pain receptors. Sedation can be used in conjunction with anesthesia to deliver maximum comfort throughout your procedure.

Dr. Begley will provide recommendations on which sedative and anesthesia options may work best for your procedure. Long treatments can seem shorter under the pleasant effects of sedation.

Your local anesthesia and sedation options include:

Novacaine: Injections of this anesthetic can numb specific areas of the mouth and jaw.
IV sedation: This form of sedation is administered directly into the bloodstream and induces a sleep-like state.
General anesthesia: For deeper sedative effects, general anesthesia can be used to completely block out awareness of the procedure.

Guidelines for Patients Who Are Undergoing General Anesthesia or IV Sedation

Before IV Sedation or Anesthesia

Do not drink or eat for six hours prior to your procedure
No smoking for 12 hours before surgery
Have a responsible adult who can take you to and from your appointment (no public transportation)
Wear loose-fitting clothing
Remove contact lenses and/or jewelry
No lipstick, makeup, or nail polish on the day of your procedure
Notify the office if you are feeling sick
Notify one of our doctors of medications you are currently on

Following IV Sedation or Anesthesia

Do not drive or operate machinery for 24 hours following IV sedation or anesthesia
Do not take any medications under the effects of sedation unless advised by a doctor
Do not engage in strenuous activities for 24 hours following your procedure
Plan to consume soft foods following your surgery

Following your procedure, you will be given recovery guidelines that should be followed closely. Any prescriptions will be completed before you leave, and you can pick up the medications at a pharmacy of your choice. We recommend that patients take the remainder of the day off of work. We can supply a doctor’s note if needed.

About Our Practice

Dr. Begley has advanced training and certification in a variety of anesthesia techniques. Both doctors are members of the:

American Dental Association
Missouri Dental Association
American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
Missouri Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons

Our doctors and dental team offer a range of anesthesia and sedation options to make your visit as relaxing, painless, and stress-free as possible.

53 Doctors Park

(573) 335-0300