General Anesthesia in Dentistry

Jim Tehrani, DDS

Last Updated: March 5, 2025

Is Anesthesia in Dentistry Harmful to Memory and The Brain?

The word anesthesia refers to the loss of sensation, which may or may not include loss of consciousness.

However, some people mistakenly believe that anesthesia causes a loss of intelligence or memory, which is not true.

In dental anesthesia, a person’s level of consciousness is either reduced or completely lost. Anesthesia induces a controlled state of unconsciousness in the child, similar to deep sleep.

Do you worry that your child might not wake up when they are sleeping? Similarly, some parents fear that anesthesia is unsafe, but in reality, it is carefully monitored by professionals.

Sometimes, in sleep, we also separate from the world to some extent, and our consciousness is reduced. But immediately when we wake up, our consciousness returns.

The same is true of anesthesia and sedation; it is nothing more than a deep sleep.

“Anesthesia is a controlled state of unconsciousness that allows for pain-free procedures, and it is essential for patient comfort during dental treatments.”

American Dental Association (ADA)

Sedation in Dentistry

Advantages:

All dental treatment is done in one session while the child rests.
Patients have no memory of the procedures during the treatment.
In sedation (dental sedation), unlike general anesthesia, the muscles are not immobilized; even in mild sedation, the child follows and cooperates with instructions in a hypnotic manner.
Sedation drugs primarily affect the brain’s sleep and wakefulness centers, without significantly impairing other functions.
Sedation (dental anesthesia) is a very suitable method for people with high reflux of nausea and vomiting and very young children.
It helps control anxiety and stress in older children.

The Difference Between Complete Anesthesia and Sedation

The main difference between general anesthesia and deep sedation is that, in anesthesia, breathing is assisted by a machine, whereas in sedation, the patient breathes on their own.

“Understanding the differences between sedation and general anesthesia is crucial for patients to make informed decisions about their dental care.”

American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons

It is very important which method your dentist recommends according to the patient’s specific conditions, the amount of work that needs to be done for that patient, the specific physical conditions or comorbidities that the patient may have, and the age, skill, and wishes of the dentist.

Under general anesthesia, the patient breathes through a tube connected to an anesthesia machine, which allows for better airway control. We need to create a higher dose of medication and a deeper sleep for our patients.

In sedation, we put the patient to sleep, control the pain, and help him have no memory of the treatment process.

The demand for sedation in dental treatments is increasing, especially among children and patients with dental anxiety.

Due to fear, phobia, young age, etc., their treatments are performed under sedation, and even adults who have reflux or fear and cannot tolerate dental instruments in their mouths are time-constrained and prefer all their treatments to be done in one session and one day can use this service.

After the sedation process (dental anesthesia), because the depth of sleep in sedation is less than in anesthesia, patients wake up 20 to 30 minutes after sedation.

The post-treatment complications of sedation are significantly fewer than those of general anesthesia. Recovery and waking up from sleep are slower and less complicated than anesthesia.

Sedation has fewer short-term side effects compared to general anesthesia, and no proven long-term complications. However, some complications, such as drowsiness, sore throat, or nausea, can be more severe in general anesthesia.

“Sedation dentistry can help patients with anxiety and fear, allowing them to undergo necessary dental procedures without distress.”

WebMD

Before and After Sedation

Before sedation, children should fast for at least 6 hours and adults for 6 to 8 hours. Solid foods should be avoided during this period.

Up to 2 hours before the procedure, patients may drink small amounts of clear liquids to prevent thirst or weakness.

Conclusion

Both sedation and general anesthesia are safe and effective methods for managing pain and anxiety during dental procedures. While general anesthesia induces a deeper unconscious state, sedation allows patients to remain semi-conscious and breathe on their own.

“Anesthesia does not impair cognitive function or memory in the long term, contrary to common misconceptions.”

National Institutes of Health (NIH)

The choice between these two methods should be based on the patient’s medical history, treatment needs, and the dentist’s recommendation.

With proper monitoring and professional administration, the risks are minimal, and both techniques contribute to a more comfortable and stress-free dental experience.

FAQ: Dental Anesthesia

How long does it take for dental anesthesia to wear off?

The effects of dental anesthesia typically last between 2 to 5 hours, depending on the type of anesthesia used and the individual’s metabolism. Local anesthesia, commonly used in dental procedures, numbs the area for a few hours, while sedation or general anesthesia may take longer to wear off.

How can you make dental anesthesia go away faster?

To speed up the process of dental anesthesia wearing off, you can:

Stay active: Light physical activity can help increase blood flow and metabolize the anesthetic faster.
Massage the area: Gently massaging the numb area can improve circulation.
Use reversal medication: Medications like OraVerse can help reverse the effects of local anesthesia in about half the time.

How much does dental anesthesia cost?

The cost of dental anesthesia varies depending on the type and duration of the procedure:

Local anesthesia: $50–$200 per session.
Sedation or general anesthesia: These are more expensive and typically used for complex procedures. Insurance may not cover these costs.

Does dental anesthesia make you sleepy?

Local anesthesia does not usually make you sleepy, as it only numbs the specific area being treated. However, sedation anesthesia or general anesthesia can make you feel drowsy or even put you to sleep during the procedure. Sedation is often combined with local anesthesia for patients with anxiety or for more invasive treatments.

What is the mechanism of dental anesthesia?

Dental anesthesia works by blocking nerve signals in the area being treated. Local anesthetics, such as lidocaine, inhibit sodium channels in nerve cells, preventing the transmission of pain signals to the brain. This creates a temporary loss of sensation in the targeted area.

What is the safest type of dental anesthesia?

Local anesthesia is considered the safest option for most dental procedures. It is minimally invasive, has fewer side effects, and is widely used in dentistry. However, for patients with severe anxiety or complex procedures, sedation or general anesthesia may be used under strict medical supervision.

Sources:

https://www.ada.org/en/member-center/oral-health-topics/anesthesia

https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/sedation-dentistry

https://www.aaoms.org/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6461234/