Types of Anesthesia

The decision as to which anesthetic technique is right for you, will be made by you and Dr. Singh together. This decision is based on your physical well-being and your emotional comfort. Dr. Singh is highly trained and experienced in all types of anesthesia including local anesthesia, oral and IV sedation, nitrous oxide sedation (laughing gas) and general anesthesia.

Local Anesthesia/ “Freezing”

Local “freezing” is the form of anesthesia that is routinely used in general dental offices for fillings, crowns, root canals and extractions. Wisdom teeth can be removed while you are awake with local anesthetic, especially when they are not impacted. Typically the procedure is performed with one of the anesthesia modalities outlined below to make the procedure more comfortable.

Oral Conscious Sedation

With this type of sedation, 1 or 2 pills of ativan, valium or an equivalent medication are taken an hour before the procedure to help you relax. Many general dental offices advertise this as “sleep dentistry” however this is a very mild form of sedation and the patient does not fall asleep.

IV Sedation & General Anesthesia

There are different levels of IV sedation ranging from conscious sedation to deep sedation. Conscious IV sedation helps a patient to relax similar to oral sedation however the patient is still not asleep.

In British Columbia, a dental office must pass a thorough inspection by the College of Dental Surgeons of BC in order to provide deep IV sedation or general anesthesia. If you are considering being ASLEEP for your surgical procedure at our office or any dental office, you should ensure the facility is certified by the College of Dental Surgeons of BC and that the staff surgeons & anesthetists are certified in advanced cardiac life support. Our office is the ONLY fully accredited general anesthesia dental office in Chilliwack where patients can be put to sleep for their surgical procedures.