There are several anesthesia options for periodontal procedures.

• Local Anesthetic – Special Long Lasting Type  
• Local Anesthetic with Nitrous Oxide
• Local Anesthetic with an Oral Pre-medication (pill)
• Local Anesthetic with Nitrous and an Oral Pre-med
• IV Anesthesia 

Microsurgical periodontal procedures are very sophisticated with minimal discomfort. They are also relatively short and called mini surgeries, typically 1 or 2 hours in length. Some moderate procedures are 3-4 hours and longer procedures may take up to 8 hours. 

Patients with most surgeries that use local anesthetic, with or without nitrous oxide, typically drive themselves in and drive themselves home. For the patients that use nitrous, the nitrous wears off and the patient is clear headed within 5 minutes after the surgery is completed. During the use of nitrous, the patient has full control of their feelings from the nitrous, which they really appreciate. If they breathe through their nose piece, they feel relaxed. If they breathe through their mouth, the pleasant feeling disappears. Patients that prefer an oral pre-medication, for some moderate procedures, have someone else drive them. And of course someone that has IV anesthesia for longer procedures has transportation provided also.

Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)

Nitrous Oxide has been the primary means of sedation in dentistry for many years. Nitrous oxide is safe. Patients are able to breathe on their own and remain in control, but are comfortably relaxed. 

There are many advantages to using Nitrous Oxide

• The depth of sedation can be altered at any time to increase or decrease sedation.
• There is no after effect such as a “hangover”.
• Inhalation sedation is safe with no side effects on your heart and lungs, etc.
• Inhalation sedation is very effective in minimizing gagging.
• It works rapidly as it reaches the brain within 20 seconds. In as few as 2-3 minutes its relaxation properties develop.
• There are no major contradictions to using nitrous oxide
• If you have emphysema, exotic chest problems, M.S., a cold or other difficulties with breathing, please inform your periodontal surgeon 
• You may ask for a 5 minute trial to see how you feel with this type of sedation method before proceeding; most people love it!