General Anesthesia Dentistry in Murphy, Wylie, Heath, Lucas, Irving & Southlake, TX
For some patients, even the deepest relaxation is not enough. Severe dental anxiety, a strong gag reflex, special needs, or a long and complex procedure can make it hard to get through treatment awake. General anesthesia lets you sleep completely through your dental care. You close your eyes, and when you wake up, the work is done.
Citrus Smiles Dental Studio offers general anesthesia for qualifying patients and procedures at our offices in Murphy, Wylie, Heath, Lucas, Irving, and Southlake, TX, as part of our full range of sedation options.
Every Level of Sedation, Under One Roof
We offer every level of sedation, from nitrous oxide to full general anesthesia. Our doctors provide oral and IV sedation in house under a Texas Level 3 sedation permit. When general anesthesia is the right choice, we bring in a credentialed anesthesia professional who holds the Level 4 permit the state requires. You get the same familiar Citrus Smiles team and office, with a dedicated anesthesia expert focused only on keeping you safe and comfortable.
What Is General Anesthesia in Dentistry?
General anesthesia is the deepest level of sedation dentistry. Medication given through an IV places you in a fully unconscious, sleep-like state. You will not feel, hear, or remember the procedure. Your Level 4 permitted anesthesia professional stays with you the entire time, managing your breathing and monitoring your heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels from start to finish.
This is different from IV sedation, where you are deeply relaxed but still breathing on your own and able to respond. It is also very different from nitrous oxide and oral sedation, which take the edge off while you stay awake.
Comparing Your Sedation Options
| Nitrous Oxide | Oral Sedation | IV Sedation | General Anesthesia | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level | Minimal | Mild to moderate | Moderate | Fully asleep |
| Awareness | Awake and relaxed | Drowsy, may doze | Little to no memory | Unconscious, no memory |
| Best for | Mild nerves | Moderate anxiety | High anxiety, longer visits | Severe anxiety, complex surgery, special needs |
| Driver needed | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Who Is General Anesthesia For?
General anesthesia is usually recommended when lighter sedation is not enough. You may be a candidate if you:
- Have severe dental anxiety or phobia that has kept you from care
- Have a strong gag reflex that makes treatment difficult
- Have special needs, or physical or cognitive conditions that make it hard to sit still for treatment
- Need extensive work, such as full-mouth reconstruction or All-on-4 implants, that you would like to complete in fewer visits
- Have not responded well to local anesthetic or lighter sedation in the past
Procedures Often Performed Under General Anesthesia
- Full-arch dental implants and All-on-4
- Multiple dental implants or bone grafting
- Wisdom tooth removal and multiple extractions
- Full-mouth restoration that would otherwise take several appointments
Your Safety Comes First
Before we recommend general anesthesia, we review your complete medical history, current medications, and any past reactions to anesthesia. Depending on your health, we may ask for clearance from your physician. On the day of treatment, your anesthesia provider is dedicated solely to your care, and continuous monitoring equipment and emergency protocols are in place for the entire procedure. You stay with us in recovery until you are awake, stable, and ready to go home with your escort.
What to Expect
- Consultation. We talk through your concerns, treatment needs, and health history, and confirm that general anesthesia is the right choice for you.
- Preparing for your visit. You will receive fasting instructions (usually nothing to eat or drink for several hours beforehand) and guidance on your medications. You will need a responsible adult to drive you home.
- Treatment day. An IV is placed, you drift off to sleep, and your dentist completes your treatment while you are continuously monitored.
- Recovery. You wake up in recovery, groggy but comfortable. Plan to rest for the remainder of the day and avoid driving or making important decisions for 24 hours.
Cost and Insurance
The cost of general anesthesia depends on the length of your procedure. Some dental and medical plans cover anesthesia when it is medically necessary. Our billing team will check your benefits, give you a written estimate before treatment, and go over financing options. Visit our special offers page for current savings.
Talk to Us About Sleeping Through Your Treatment
If fear or a complicated procedure has been keeping you from the dental care you need, contact the Citrus Smiles office nearest you in Murphy, Wylie, Heath, Lucas, Irving, and Southlake, TX. We will listen, answer every question, and help you choose the level of sedation that lets you get your smile back.