---
title: "Dental Anesthesia"
url: "https://www.newmouth.com/dentistry/general/anesthesia/"
description: "Anesthesia alleviates discomfort and pain during a dental procedure. Learn about the different types of dental anesthesia, benefits & common side effects."
---

## Key Takeaways

-   Dental anesthesia is a safe and effective way to eliminate pain and reduce anxiety during dental surgery and other common procedures.
-   Anyone feeling anxious about their dental visit should speak with their doctor beforehand.
-   Your doctor will be able to explain your different options for anesthesia or sedation and recommend the best choice for you. They will also provide instructions on how to follow the procedure before and after.

## What are the 3 Types of Anesthesia?

![Dental anesthesia types board v1](/_astro/dental-anesthesia-types-board-v1.CsK-cILl_Z5qfVb.webp)

Dental anesthesia helps manage pain during dental procedures and surgeries. It blocks painful sensations in specific areas of your mouth.

![3D illustration of local anesthesia injected into the gums for a dental procedure](/_astro/3D-illustration-of-local-anesthesia-injected-into-the-gums-for-a-dental-procedure-1024x782.BhfGJjKe_268FeI.webp)

There are three types of dental anesthesia: local, intravenous conscious sedation, and general. Each type is used for specific pain control purposes.

Dentists typically determine which anesthesia to use based on the procedure, medical history, and patient’s preference. The following describes each type of anesthesia and its use cases:

### 1\. Local Anesthesia

![Woman receiving dental local anesthesia or sedation in dentist office nm 1369](/_astro/woman-receiving-dental-local-anesthesia-or-sedation-in-dentist-office-nm-1369.CDvkSQwU_Z25GyDS.webp)

Local anesthesia is the most common type that begins working in less than 10 minutes. They come in gel, cream, liquid, ointment, spray, patch, and injectable forms.

It’s applied topically or injected into a specific location in your mouth to make parts of it numb. However, you’ll remain conscious and able to communicate throughout the procedure.

The effects typically last for a few hours after the treatment. Doctors administer it during minor dental procedures, such as:

-   [Cavity fillings](/dentistry/general/cavity-fillings/)
-   [Tooth extractions](/dentistry/general/extractions/)
-   [Root canal treatment](/dentistry/general/root-canal/)
-   [Dental crown placement](/dentistry/restorative/crowns/)
-   [Scaling and root planing](/dentistry/specialties/periodontics/scaling-and-root-planing/)

Commonly used dental anesthetics include lidocaine, articaine, prilocaine, mepivacaine, and bupivacaine. Local anesthetics are also available as prescription or over-the-counter medications.

### 2\. Sedation

Anesthesia is used to eliminate pain and discomfort. On the other hand, sedation is typically used to relieve nervousness and anxiety during procedures, reduce pain, and keep you still.

![Dentist administering a gask mask or laughing gas on a young girl nm 1333](/_astro/dentist-administering-a-gask-mask-or-laughing-gas-on-a-young-girl-nm-1333.Bxqt9VRU_Z1eqM7X.webp)

People with severe anxiety typically need a sedative before receiving an injection of anesthesia, especially if they have a fear of needles. Those with dental phobia often visit sedation dentists to receive care.

Sedation can be administered in three different strengths:

-   **Mild sedation** — This keeps you conscious, and you can respond to commands.
-   **Moderate sedation** — Puts you in a state of semi-consciousness.
-   **Deep sedation** — This makes you unaware of your surroundings and unable to respond to stimulation.

The most widely used sedation option is nitrous oxide (laughing gas). Other examples include diazepam (Valium), midazolam (Versed), and propofol (Diprivan).

### 3\. General Anesthesia

![Before the dental operation a dental anesthesiologist inserts a nm 1328](/_astro/before-the-dental-operation-a-dental-anesthesiologist-inserts-a-nm-1328.zUV1c38q_Z2gGbDD.webp)

General anesthesia results in a temporary loss of consciousness. It’s used for longer procedures or if someone cannot tolerate dental treatment under local anesthesia or sedation.

This type of anesthesia is often referred to as a medically induced coma. You will be unresponsive during the entire procedure and not feel any pain.

The difference between general anesthesia and IV conscious sedation is your ability to respond and breathe on your own. The medication is normally inhaled or administered intravenously.

General anesthesia is also typically administered to patients in a hospital setting undergoing invasive oral surgeries, including:

-   Extensive [bone grafts](/dentistry/specialties/periodontics/bone-grafts/)
-   Corrective [jaw surgery](/orthodontics/treatment/orthognathic-surgery/)
-   Multiple tooth extractions
-   [Oral cancer](/oral-health/oral-cancer/) surgery
-   Sleep apnea surgery
-   [Cosmetic dental procedures](/dentistry/cosmetic/)
-   [Cleft lip/palate](/dentistry/pediatric/cleft-lip-and-palate/) surgery

## What are the Benefits of Dental Anesthesia?

People who are afraid of needles (have trypanophobia) or have general anxiety often avoid local anesthetics during dental procedures, even though those anesthetics would make the experience more comfortable.

The primary benefits of anesthesia include:

-   Can consolidate multiple appointments into one appointment.
-   Prevents pain during the procedure.
-   Can be used with sedation to relieve anxiety, pain, fear, and discomfort.
-   Safe and effective when properly used.
-   Helps make procedures easier to perform.

It’s important to know that anesthesia is not a medication to put you to sleep. This means you will remain conscious during the procedure (except general anesthesia).

## Side Effects of Dental Anesthesia

Dental anesthesia is a common and safe treatment. Before administration, the dentist should be aware of your full medical history, alcohol abuse history, and any allergies to avoid complications.

Side effects are rare and are usually only felt with sedation or general anesthesia. These may include:

-   Nausea
-   Dizziness
-   Vomiting
-   Swelling (in the mouth or at the injection site)
-   Sweating or shivering
-   Confusion
-   Hallucinations
-   Tiredness
-   Lockjaw

### Who’s At Risk When Using Anesthesia?

Anesthesia is considered a safe, effective, and necessary component of dental care. However, certain groups are at a higher risk for adverse effects.

Those who should speak to a dental office or anesthesiologist before using anesthesia include:

-   Pregnant women
-   Pediatric patients
-   People with special needs
-   Elderly adults
-   Anyone with liver, kidney, lung, or heart problems
-   People with neurological conditions
-   People taking other medications, such as opioids
-   History of allergy to anesthesia medication

## What are the Possible Complications of Anesthesia?

Though complications are rare, there are some risks involved in dental anesthesia. Potential adverse reactions and complications include:

-   Allergic reactions
-   Nerve damage
-   Low blood pressure
-   A dangerous increase in body temperature (malignant hyperthermia)
-   Heart attack
-   Heart failure
-   Stroke
-   Failed breathing
-   Death