In-Office General Anesthesia

If dental anxiety, a strong gag reflex, special healthcare needs, or extensive treatment has kept you from getting the care you need, in-office general anesthesia may be an option. At Family Dental Care of Oak Park, we can coordinate general anesthesia in the comfort of our office so you can complete treatment safelyâ€”while asleep and unaware of the procedure.

For your safety and peace of mind, anesthesia is administered and continuously monitored by a board-certified anesthesiologist.

Our goal is simple: help you get healthy with as little stress as possible.

What is general anesthesia?

General anesthesia is medication that allows you to be fully asleep during dental treatment. You will not feel, see, or remember the procedure. This is different from local anesthetic ("getting numb") or lighter sedation options.

General anesthesia is always planned in advance and is provided with appropriate monitoring and recovery timeâ€”including the presence of a board-certified anesthesiologist throughout your appointment.

Who may benefit from in-office general anesthesia?

General anesthesia can be a great choice for patients who:

Have severe dental fear or anxiety
Have had traumatic or difficult dental experiences in the past
Have special needs or difficulty staying comfortable/still for treatment
Have a strong gag reflex
Need significant dental work and prefer to complete treatment in fewer visits
Have trouble getting numb with local anesthetic alone (in some cases)

Not everyone is a candidate. We'll review your medical history, medications, and specific needs to determine the safest approach.

What to expect

1) Consultation and planning

Your first step is a consultation so we can:

Evaluate your dental needs
Review your health history and any physician recommendations
Discuss whether general anesthesia (or another comfort option) is appropriate
Provide a clear treatment plan and outline what to expect

2) Day of your appointment

On the day of treatment:

You'll arrive with a responsible adult who can take you home afterward
Your board-certified anesthesiologist will review your health information and answer questions
During the procedure, you'll be continuously monitored while your dental treatment is completed
Your vital signs are continuously monitored by the anesthesiologist and the clinical team

3) Recovery

After treatment, you'll rest in our office until you are stable and ready to leave with your escort. Most patients feel sleepy afterward and should plan to rest for the remainder of the day.

Safety and monitoring

Patient safety is our top priority. When general anesthesia is scheduled, it is delivered with appropriate safeguards, including:

Administration and continuous monitoring by a board-certified anesthesiologist
Ongoing monitoring of breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels
A structured recovery period in our office before you head home

Because every patient is different, we may request medical clearance from your physician or recommend an alternative setting if that is the safest choice.

How to prepare for general anesthesia

To help keep your appointment safe and smooth, you may be asked to:

Follow fasting instructions (no food or drink for a specific time beforehand)
Review your current medications with our team and anesthesiologist
Arrange for an adult to accompany you and stay with you after your visit
Plan to take the rest of the day off (and sometimes the next day as well)

You'll receive specific written instructions before your appointment.

After your appointment

It's normal to feel tired or "groggy" after general anesthesia. For your safety, you should:

Rest at home for the remainder of the day
Avoid driving, operating machinery, or making important decisions for 24 hours
Follow all post-op instructions for eating, drinking, and any prescribed medications

If you have any questions during recovery, our team is here to help.

Frequently asked questions

Will I feel anything during treatment?
Noâ€”general anesthesia is designed so you are fully asleep and unaware during the procedure, with anesthesia managed by a board-certified anesthesiologist.

Will I remember the procedure?
Most patients do not remember the treatment.

Can I drive myself home?
No. You must have a responsible adult accompany you and drive you home.

Is general anesthesia the only option?
Not always. Many patients do well with local anesthetic and other comfort measures. We'll help you choose the option that fits your needs and medical history.

Does insurance cover general anesthesia?
Coverage varies by plan and by procedure. Our team can help you understand benefits and expected costs before you schedule.

Schedule a consultation

If you've been putting off dental care because of fear, special needs, or difficulty tolerating treatment, let's talk. We'll help you understand your options and decide if in-office general anesthesia is right for you.

Call Family Dental Care of Oak Park at 708-406-9984 to schedule a consultation.