Frequently Asked Questions

A dedicated anesthesia provider will continuously monitor the patient. This includes, measuring the patient’s heart rate/rhythm, blood pressure, temperature and end-tidal carbon dioxide (breathing).

Anesthesia is considered to be very safe; however, unexpected events can always occur.

Our team is well-prepared and all emergency equipment is available at all times when we provide in-office anesthesia.

It is incredibly dangerous to eat or drink before anesthesia.

The only exception is some clear liquids (water, gatorade, apple juice), but only at the direction of the Anesthesia Team.

To ensure the patient’s safety, the Anesthesia Team will direct which medications can be taken the morning of the appointment and at what time.

Medications can be taken with a small sip of water.

For patients over the age of 18, there needs to be at least one responsible adult (18+) who holds a valid driver’s license.

For children and adults who are not their own guardian, the legal guardian must be present to transport them to and from the appointment.

The Anesthesia Team does not prescribe any medications prior to or after the procedure.

Please contact the patient’s primary care doctor to facilitate this.

Every patient recovers differently. Generally, most patients will want something light to drink (water, juice, broth) within 1- 2 hours of being home.

It is also encouraged to have cold foods such as popsicles, ice cream, and yogurt.

Patients can also be nauseous after anesthesia and this is normal and should dissipate within 4 hours of the procedure

From the anesthesia standpoint, most patients will be ready to resume normal activities after taking the rest of the day off, and, sometimes the next day, from school and/or work.

Depending on the nature of the surgery, the patient may need more time off to recover.

Every patient recovers differently.

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

Duration of the procedure depends on the amount of dental treatment the patient needs. Please contact the dental office for timing.

We encourage the patient’s escort to bring something to entertain themselves with, as they could be waiting several hours.

We are currently an out-of-network provider and do not directly bill insurance. However, the Anesthesia Team will provide any needed documentation to submit the patient’s own claim.

Furthermore, the patient may be able to utilize health care related accounts, such as an FSA or HSA, to pay for some or all the procedure. This is not financial advice.