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Can I be sedated for my surgery?

Sedation dentistry options.

“It's unbelievable how many patients I’ve encountered that have been traumatized while experiencing dental care. Our priority is pretty simple, reduce harm to you - both emotional and physical.”

Dr. Chargundla (Dr. C)
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Nervous sedation dentistry patient getting an exam

Nervous about going to the dentist?

Talk to Dr. C, he will consider several factors:

  • Your level of anxiety & reasons for seeking sedation
  • Your health history and medications
  • The pain, complexity, and risks associated with the procedure
  • Post-operative considerations
  • Disabilities & special needs
  • Age (Pediatric Dentistry options are available)

The best 'medicine' for a nervous patient.

Rebuilding trust tends to be the best remedy. I find compassion and clear information go a long way toward rebuilding trust and helping patients feel confident in my recommendations.

Dr. C

Pain Relief Options

  • We typically use local dental anesthesia for minor procedures.
  • We inject the numbing medication directly into the area being treated, usually the gums around the tooth.
  • The medication numbs the area while you remain fully awake (not sedated). After the procedure, the numbness may last for several hours.
  • This ensures a mostly painless procedure. You may feel some pressure and hear noises, but there should be little to no discomfort.
  • We will ask for your music preferences and can play music to help distract you during the procedure. Other aids like headphones and eyewear can also enhance relaxation.
  • ZYNRELEF is a numbing injection that provides both local anesthesia during surgery and post-surgical pain relief for up to 72 hours.
  • It can be a great option for patients who want to avoid opioids or other pain relievers during recovery, especially after complex surgeries.
  • For most patients, ZYNRELEF is only available on a self-pay (out-of-pocket) basis.
  • Just like other sedation and pain relief options, ZYNRELEF may not be right for your health status or surgical case.
  • Ibuprofen & Tylenol is a powerful duo. Working together, ibuprofen reduces inflammation (cooling the “fire”), while Tylenol blocks pain signals to keep it from flaring up.
  • We typically recommend alternating them every 2-4 hours post-procedure for consistent relief.
  • Prescription Medications are reserved for severe pain and complex procedures.
  • We use narcotics sparingly due to their risks, including nausea, drowsiness, and addiction.

Sedation Dentistry Options

  • Laughing Gas is the mildest form of anesthesia available.
  • Nitrous oxide helps you relax, which may feel like pain relief, but it isn’t actually numbing. It can be used alone or with local anesthetics.
  • We deliver a mix of nitrous oxide and oxygen through your nose.
  • You remain fully awake, rational, and aware of your surroundings while feeling relaxed, but the effects wear off quickly once the gas is stopped or the mask is removed.
  • Some patients may feel light-headed or experience mild nausea.
  • Oral sedation is especially suitable for patients with heightened dental anxiety.
  • You take an oral sedative pill before the procedure, under your dentist’s supervision, after signing consent forms.
  • Oral sedation promotes relaxation and drowsiness while allowing you to still communicate with the dental team.
  • You may feel groggy afterward and have limited memory of the procedure.
  • Your response to oral sedation vary, and its effectiveness is not guaranteed. If sedation is insufficient, we may need to reschedule the procedure with a different form of anesthesia.
  • Twilight Sedation involves administering medication through an IV into a vein to achieve a tailored level of relaxation while keeping you awake and responsive.
  • It reduces anxiety and decreases awareness with minimal discomfort, often leaving you with little to no memory of the procedure—making it especially appealing to anxious patients.
  • We use IV Sedation for complex procedures and extensive dental work.
  • IV Sedation is not the same as General Anesthesia. Under IV sedation, you breathe on your own (without a breathing tube) and can follow verbal commands.
  • In rare cases, if your breathing becomes too slow, we may need to stop the sedation and procedure or use a breathing tube to keep you safe.
  • General Anesthesia is a special type of sedation that makes you completely asleep and unaware during a procedure. It also slows your body’s ability to breathe on its own, requiring us to insert a breathing tube.
  • We administer sedation medication through an IV or by having you breathe it in through a temporary breathing tube.
  • We commonly use General Anesthesia in complex procedures that require you to stay completely still and stress-free.
  • Afterward, some people may experience a sore throat, hoarse voice, or minor mouth discomfort from the breathing tube.
  • Rare complications of general anesthesia include:
    • Injury to the mouth or teeth
    • Injury to blood vessels
    • Breathing problems, like aspiration (particles or liquid entering the lungs)
    • Lung infection (pneumonia)
    • Weakness or numbness after the procedure
    • Tingling or strange sensations (paresthesias)
    • In rare cases, being slightly aware during the procedure

Regionally, the anesthesia options for pediatric care are limited.  Many of the options discussed above are possible for pediatric patients, deciding what is safest and most effective is a decision between you, Dr. Charugundla, and our Pediatric Anesthesia Expert, Dr. Ryan Allred if anesthesia is needed. Sedation for pediatric dentistry or oral surgery may be required depending on the procedure, level of anxiety, special needs, and other factors.

Prashant Charugundla, D.D.S

  • As an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon (OMFS), Dr. Charugundla is uniquely trained and licensed in anesthesia and emergency care.
  • OMFS's are able to manage anesthesia and surgery, at the same time and on their own, during outpatient procedures, without an anesthesiologist present.
  • Dr. Charugundla has provided surgical care for both children and adults at Level 1 trauma centers, known for delivering the highest standard of medical treatment.
  • He has also attained Board-Certification, as a part of his commitment to providing the highest quality of care.

Silvia Rotar, Registered Nurse | Camille Bryan, Lead Dental Assistant

Dr. Charugundla works closely with Registered Nurse Silvia Rotar and Lead Dental Assistant Camille Bryan on all sedation cases.

Silvia is trained in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), while Camille holds certification in Dental Anesthesia Assistance (DAANCE).

With this skilled team, you can trust that your care is in the hands of experienced professionals focused on your well-being.

Ryan Allred, D.M.D - Pediatric Anesthesia Expert

  • Dr. Ryan Allred is a dental anesthesiologist (sleep dentist) with advanced pediatric sedation and anesthesia training.
  • OMFS's are able to manage anesthesia and surgery, at the same time and on their own, during outpatient procedures, without an anesthesiologist present.
  • Dr. Charugundla has provided surgical care for both children and adults at Level 1 trauma centers, known for delivering the highest standard of medical treatment.
  • He has also attained Board-Certification, as a part of his commitment to providing the highest quality of care.

The cost of our sedation and pain relief options varies given the wide variety of options. However, we provide clear and straightforward self-pay pricing for most services and are happy to work with your insurer to provide estimated pricing. Pricing & Accepted Insurance >

Most procedures and sedations are safely performed in-office. However, for certain cases where additional precautions are necessary, Dr. Charugundla will perform surgery in a hospital setting.

These surgeries are conducted at a Legacy Health Hospital, such as Legacy Emanuel and the Randall Children’s Hospital for pediatric cases.


Your first appointment is a consultation, surgery is scheduled afterwards. In this appointment, Dr. Charugundla urges you to be honest with him about your fears and anxieties so that he can work with you to create a plan for a successful surgery day. Your First Appointment >