General Anesthesia in Hampton, VA
What Is General Anesthesia?
General anesthesia is a form of deep sedation used to render patients completely unconscious during certain dental or surgical procedures. Unlike oral sedation, where you remain awake but relaxed, general anesthesia places you in a sleep-like state where you are entirely unaware of the procedure.
At Hampton Oral & Facial Surgery, we offer general anesthesia for patients who require or prefer complete unconsciousness during treatment. This approach ensures maximum comfort, eliminates anxiety, and allows our skilled surgeons to perform complex procedures efficiently and safely.
When Is General Anesthesia Used in Dentistry?
General anesthesia is typically reserved for cases where lighter sedation methods are insufficient. Our experienced oral surgeons may recommend general anesthesia if:
- You require extensive oral surgery, such as full-mouth extractions or jaw procedures
- You’re undergoing wisdom teeth removal with impactions or complications
- You have a strong gag reflex or severe dental anxiety
- You need multiple procedures done in one session
- You are medically unable to tolerate procedures while awake
- The patient is a child or special needs individual who cannot cooperate during treatment
For cases like tooth extractions or oral surgery, our team will evaluate whether general anesthesia is the most appropriate and comfortable option.
What to Expect Before, During, and After Anesthesia
Here’s how the general anesthesia process works at our Hampton, VA practice:
- Before the Procedure: You’ll receive detailed instructions, including fasting guidelines and a review of your medical history. A thorough consultation ensures that anesthesia is safe and appropriate for you.
- During the Procedure: Our team administers the anesthesia intravenously, placing you into a controlled unconscious state. Throughout the procedure, your vitals are continuously monitored by trained professionals.
- After the Procedure: Once the procedure is complete, you’ll be moved to a recovery area where we monitor your breathing and heart rate as the anesthesia wears off. You’ll need a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you for the rest of the day.
Recovery time varies, but most patients feel groggy for several hours and fully recover within 24 hours.
Is General Anesthesia Safe?
Yes — when administered by qualified professionals, general anesthesia is a very safe and effective option. At Hampton Oral & Facial Surgery, all procedures involving anesthesia are performed under the supervision of highly trained oral and maxillofacial surgeons with hospital-level experience.
Your safety is our top priority, and we use:
- Advanced monitoring equipment
- Thorough pre-anesthesia evaluations
- Rigorous sterilization and emergency protocols
- Post-operative instructions tailored to your specific needs
We’ll review all risks and benefits with you in advance and answer any questions you have about sedation options — including oral sedation and IV sedation.
Why Choose Hampton Oral & Facial Surgery for Anesthesia Dentistry?
With a legacy of surgical excellence in Hampton, Newport News, and the Tidewater region, Hampton Oral & Facial Surgery offers unmatched expertise in providing general anesthesia in an outpatient setting.
Here’s why patients trust us:
- Led by Dr. Brad Trotter, a former Navy oral surgeon with over 25 years of experience
- Deep knowledge of hospital-grade anesthesia safety protocols
- Comfortable, state-of-the-art surgical suites
- On-site 3D CT scanning for precise diagnostics
- Compassionate staff trained to support anxious or high-risk patients
- Personalized anesthesia plans tailored to your comfort, health, and procedure type
Whether you need full-mouth extractions, complex oral surgery, or simply want to sleep through your treatment, you’re in expert hands at our Hampton, VA practice.
FAQs About General Anesthesia
- Will I be completely unconscious during general anesthesia?: Yes, general anesthesia places you in a deep, controlled sleep. You won’t feel pain, hear anything, or remember the procedure.
- Is general anesthesia safer than oral or IV sedation?: Each sedation type has its place. General anesthesia is safe when administered by trained professionals but is typically reserved for more complex procedures or patients with specific needs.
- How long does it take to recover from general anesthesia?: Most patients feel drowsy for several hours and return to normal activity within 24 hours. A responsible adult should stay with you after the procedure.
- Can children receive general anesthesia at your office?: Yes, we offer general anesthesia for pediatric and special needs patients when appropriate. Our surgeons are trained in managing younger and more sensitive patients.
- Is general anesthesia more expensive than other options?: General anesthesia may involve higher costs due to the medications and monitoring required. We’ll provide a clear estimate before treatment and assist with insurance verification.
Schedule a Consultation for General Anesthesia Dentistry in Hampton, VA
If you're concerned about anxiety, pain, or complex procedures, general anesthesia may be the right choice for you. At Hampton Oral & Facial Surgery, we prioritize comfort, safety, and personalized care for every patient.
Request an appointment online to discuss whether general anesthesia is right for your upcoming treatment.