What is Dental anesthesia and how is it different from
sedation my dentist may offer?

Dental anesthesia is anesthesia that includes not only local anesthetics but general anesthesia and sedation.  Dentist anesthesiologists have completed an additional two (or more) years of residency after graduating dental school.

Your dentist may provide a type of sedation, including Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas) or even conscious sedation, which may give approximately 1-2 hours of working time.  However, there is no guarantee treatment will be completed.  This is depending on how each patient metabolizes the medications and their behavior.  Dentist’s that provided these services complete a short continuing education course and is limited to administering these types of anesthesia.  A dentist anesthesiologist can administer all levels of anesthesia, including sedation and general anesthesia to adults, children and even patients who’s immunity is compromised.

For more information regarding anesthesia, we encourage you to contact Dr. Sophia Tan.