General Anesthesia | Tidewater Laser Perio and Implants

Female dental patient discussing anesthesia options before procedure

Anesthesia and Sedation Options

Several methods of anesthesia are offered. The method of sedation that is chosen for/by a patient will depend upon the nature of the surgical procedure, the patient’s level of apprehension or anxiety, and certain medical conditions.

We work with Board Certified Anesthesia Specialists, to provide the best care for our patients

Anesthesia Options

The following table illustrates the choices of anesthesia, a description of the anesthetic technique, and the usual indications for that technique.

Method

Description of Technique

Method

Local Anesthetic

The patient remains totally conscious throughout the procedure. A local anesthetic is administered in the area where the surgery is to be performed.

Method

Oral-Conscious Sedation

Oral-conscious sedation is accomplished by the patient taking a prescribed dosage of Valium 90 minutes prior to the procedure. This class of drug works by placing a person in a sort of “depression of consciousness” in which commands by the dental team can be acted upon, but no memory of the event – or any discomfort experienced during it – are usually recalled. The patient will need to have a driver accompany them to the appointment and stay on-site until completion of the appointment. The patient is recommended to not operate a motor vehicle until the next day.

Method

Office Based General Anesthesia with Local Anesthetic*

Medications are administered through an intravenous line (I.V.) by a Board Certified Anesthesiologist. The patient falls asleep and is completely unaware of the procedure being performed. Supplemental oxygen is delivered through a nasal breathing apparatus and the patient’s vital signs are closely monitored. While the anesthesia is working, you will be unconscious and many of your body’s functions will slow down or need help to work effectively. A tube may be placed in your throat to help you breathe. During surgery, the Anesthesiologist will monitor your heart rate, blood pressure, breathing and other vital signs to make sure they are normal and steady while you remain unconscious and free of discomfort. The Anesthesiologist, Dr. Cavallari and our surgical team are in the room with you, monitoring you, during the entire procedure.

When it comes to anesthesia, our first priority is the patient’s comfort and safety. If you have any concerns regarding the type of anesthesia that will be administered during your surgical procedure, please do not hesitate to discuss your concerns with Dr. Cavallari at the time of your evaluation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Anesthesia Options for Periodontal Surgery

Dr. Cavallari offers several methods of anesthesia and sedation to ensure every patient's comfort and safety during periodontal surgery. The method chosen depends on the nature of the procedure, the patient's level of anxiety or apprehension, and any relevant medical conditions. Options include local anesthetic, oral-conscious sedation, and office-based general anesthesia with local anesthetic. Dr. Cavallari works with Board Certified Anesthesia Specialists to provide the highest standard of care for patients requiring deeper sedation.

Local anesthetic is the most common form of pain management used during periodontal procedures. It is administered directly to the area where surgery will be performed, numbing the tissue so you remain completely comfortable throughout the procedure while staying fully conscious and aware. Local anesthetic is appropriate for most routine periodontal treatments including scaling and root planing, crown lengthening, gum grafting, and osseous surgery. It is used alone for patients with low to moderate anxiety and in combination with general anesthesia for patients requiring deeper sedation.

Oral-conscious sedation involves taking a prescribed dose of Valium approximately 90 minutes before your procedure. This medication places you in a deeply relaxed, semi-conscious state in which you can still respond to the dental team's instructions but will have little to no memory of the procedure or any discomfort experienced during it. You will need a driver to accompany you to and from your appointment and remain on-site until your procedure is complete. You should not operate a motor vehicle until the following day after oral-conscious sedation.

Office-based general anesthesia is administered intravenously (IV) by a Board Certified Anesthesiologist directly in our Virginia Beach office. Once the medication is administered, you will fall completely asleep and be entirely unaware of the procedure being performed. Supplemental oxygen is delivered through a nasal breathing apparatus, and your vital signs — including heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing — are closely monitored throughout the entire procedure by the Anesthesiologist. Dr. Cavallari and the full surgical team are present and monitoring you at all times.

The appropriate anesthesia method depends on several factors including the complexity and length of your procedure, your personal level of dental anxiety, and your overall medical health. Dr. Cavallari will discuss anesthesia options with you at your evaluation appointment and recommend the approach that best balances your comfort, safety, and clinical needs. Patients are always encouraged to share their concerns openly — there is no wrong question when it comes to understanding how you will be kept comfortable during surgery.

Yes. When administered by a Board Certified Anesthesiologist in a properly equipped surgical setting, office-based general anesthesia is a safe and well-established option for patients undergoing periodontal procedures. Your vital signs are continuously monitored throughout the procedure, and both the Anesthesiologist and Dr. Cavallari remain present in the room for the duration of your surgery. Patient comfort and safety are the highest priorities at Tidewater Laser Perio and Implants.

Absolutely. Sedation options exist specifically to make periodontal care accessible and comfortable for patients who experience significant dental anxiety or fear. Oral-conscious sedation and office-based general anesthesia are also appropriate for patients with certain medical conditions that make standard local anesthetic alone insufficient. During your consultation, Dr. Cavallari will review your health history and anxiety level to determine the safest and most appropriate sedation approach for your individual situation.

Yes. If you choose oral-conscious sedation, you must have a responsible driver accompany you to the appointment, remain on-site during your procedure, and drive you home. You should not operate a motor vehicle until the following day. If you receive office-based general anesthesia, similar arrangements are required. Dr. Cavallari's team will review all pre-operative requirements with you well in advance of your surgery date so you can plan accordingly.

Dr. Cavallari encourages all patients to raise any questions or concerns about anesthesia at the time of their evaluation. Understanding how you will be kept comfortable is an important part of preparing for surgery, and the team at Tidewater Laser Perio and Implants is happy to walk you through every aspect of your anesthesia and sedation options. Call (757) 412-0235 or request an appointment online at drcavallari.com to schedule your consultation.

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Dr. Cavallari provides a variety of surgical services for the treatment of periodontal issues. Contact us for more information.

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General Anesthesia in Virginia Beach, VA

Anesthesia and Sedation Options

Anesthesia Options

Frequently Asked Questions About Anesthesia Options for Periodontal Surgery

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