Frequently Asked Questions

  • Absolutely — your safety is our top priority!
    Dr. Wade personally stays with every patient from start to finish, closely monitoring vital signs like heart rate, breathing, blood pressure, and temperature the entire time.

    While no medical procedure is completely risk-free, modern anesthesia is extremely safe — especially in the hands of trained professionals. Our team is fully prepared for any situation and we always have emergency equipment on hand, just like in a hospital setting.

  • It’s all about keeping you safe during anesthesia.
    When someone is under anesthesia, their body’s natural reflexes—like swallowing—don’t work as well. If there’s food or drink in the stomach, it could accidentally get into the lungs. That’s why we ask everyone to have an empty stomach before their visit.

    In some cases, clear liquids like water, apple juice, or Gatorade may be allowed a few hours beforehand—but only if we tell you it’s okay. We’ll give you exact instructions based on your specific appointment.

  • Usually yes — but we’ll guide you.
    Some medications are important to take on the day of your procedure, while others may need to be skipped for safety. Our anesthesia team will let you know exactly which medications are okay and when to take them.

    If a medication is approved, it’s fine to take it with just a small sip of water — even if fasting is required.

  • Every patient needs a trusted adult to be there — before and after anesthesia.

    • For adult patients (18+): Someone over 18 with a valid driver’s license must come with you and stay to take you home.

    • For children or adults with a legal guardian: The guardian must be present for drop-off and pick-up. This helps us review important information and make sure everyone gets home safely.

    If you’re unsure who qualifies, just ask — we’re happy to help you plan ahead.

  • We understand that some patients feel nervous — that’s completely normal.
    However, our anesthesia team doesn’t prescribe medication before or after the procedure. If something is needed ahead of time to help with anxiety, please reach out to the patient’s primary care doctor or dental office. They may be able to help based on your medical history.

    Rest assured, once you're with us, we’ll do everything we can to make the experience calm and comfortable.

  • Most patients are ready for a small snack or drink within 1 to 2 hours of getting home.
    We usually recommend starting with clear liquids like water, juice, or broth. Cool, soft foods like popsicles, yogurt, or ice cream can also be soothing and easy to tolerate.

    That said, some dental procedures may have their own eating restrictions — especially after extractions or oral surgery. Be sure to follow the instructions given by your dental office as well.

    Feeling a little nauseous after anesthesia is common — it usually goes away within a few hours. If you’re ever unsure, just give us a call.

  • Most patients need the rest of the day off — and sometimes the next day too — to fully recover from anesthesia.
    Everyone bounces back a little differently, but it's normal to feel a bit tired or groggy for the remainder of the day.

    However, the type of dental procedure also matters. Some surgeries may require extra time off for healing or comfort. Be sure to follow any specific instructions from the dental office about when it’s okay to return to school or work.

    We’re happy to provide school or work notes if needed!

  • Every patient recovers differently.

    After an hour, most patients recover from the effects of the anesthesia and are be able to go home.

  • It depends on the dental treatment being done — each case is a little different.
    For the most accurate timing, please check with the dental office, as they can give you a better idea based on the planned procedures.

    In general, we recommend the patient’s escort bring a book, laptop, or something to pass the time, just in case the visit takes a few hours.

    We’ll keep you updated along the way and let you know when your loved one is in recovery.

  • Coverage can vary, so we recommend reaching out to us directly for details about your specific situation.
    We are out of network with most insurance providers, but we’ll gladly provide all necessary documentation to help you submit a claim for possible reimbursement.

    In some cases — especially for pediatric patients — Medicaid may be accepted at certain locations. We’re happy to discuss whether that applies to your visit.

    You may also be able to use an FSA or HSA to help cover anesthesia costs.
    (This is not financial or tax advice — please confirm with your plan administrator.)