Anesthesia is defined as the loss of bodily sensation with or without loss of consciousness. It is used to numb mouth tissues or render a patient temporarily unconscious to block pain associated with dental procedures.  It works by blocking nerve endings, and may also reduce anxiety. Anesthesia is used for procedures such as fillings, root canals, tooth extractions and any other procedure that may produce discomfort.

There are two major forms of anesthesia:

• Local anesthesia. Numbs the portion of the mouth where the dentist will be working. The dentist typically uses a needle to inject the anesthetic into the gum or inner cheek to block nerve endings and numb mouth tissues. Topical anesthetics are another form of local anesthetic. They typically are applied topically to numb an area before injecting the area with a local anesthetic. Local anesthesia is used for more frequently in dental procedures than general anesthesia.
  
  
• General anesthesia. Puts patients to sleep so they are unconscious during the procedure. Under general anesthesia, patients do not feel any pain. When general anesthesia is used, it will be provided by someone with expertise in delivering the anesthesia and responding to any complications. Such experts include anesthesiologists, dental anesthesiologists and oral surgeons.

Local anesthesia typically is used for procedures such as fillings, root canals, crowns, extractions and treatment of gum disease. General anesthesia may be used for people (including children) who cannot calm down enough to be treated safely (dentophobic), or who have medical, physical or emotional disabilities that prevent them from following directions so they can be treated safely. It also may be used for patients undergoing unusually long or difficult procedures.

Patients who are going to use any form of anesthetic are urged to inform their dentist or other physician about any medications they are taking, including herbal supplements, because these can sometimes interact adversely with the anesthetic. Disclosing pre-existing medical conditions also is important prior to the procedure.

On the day of the procedure, patients are urged to follow the dentist’s preparatory instructions. Before administering the local anesthetic, a topical anesthetic that numbs the area may be applied.

If general anesthesia is to be used, the procedure may be performed either in a hospital or in an office equipped with proper monitoring equipment and trained staff. The anesthesia itself is inhaled or injected, and the patient quickly loses consciousness. During the procedure, the patient’s blood oxygen level, heart rate, blood pressure, temperature and breathing are monitored.

Areas that receive local anesthetic may feel numb for several hours after the procedure. This typically feels like a fat lip. Patients who receive general anesthetic may feel nauseous and may vomit after awakening.