Specialist Oral Surgery

General Anesthesia for Oral Surgery in Hampton, VA

Q: Is general anesthesia safe for oral surgery?

Yes, general anesthesia is very safe when administered by our board-certified oral surgeons in our fully equipped office. Our team monitors you closely throughout the procedure to ensure your safety and comfort.

Q: Will I be completely unconscious during the procedure?

Yes, general anesthesia puts you into a deep sleep so you feel no pain and have no memory of the procedure. You will wake up with the surgery already completed.

Q: What should I avoid eating or drinking before general anesthesia?

You must not eat or drink anything for at least 8 hours before your surgery. Our team will give you specific instructions based on your schedule and medical history.

Q: How long does it take to recover from general anesthesia after oral surgery?

Most patients feel groggy for the rest of the day and are able to resume normal activities by the next morning. You will need a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you for 24 hours.

If you are researching general anesthesia oral surgery Hampton VA, you may feel uneasy about going under anesthesia. That is a natural reaction. At Hampton Oral & Facial Surgery, our board-certified oral surgeons provide general anesthesia right here in our office. We create a calm, safe environment so you can focus on your recovery instead of your worries.

Call us at (757) 838-3975 to talk with our team about your options.Schedule Consultation

What Is General Anesthesia in Oral Surgery?

General anesthesia is a medically controlled state of deep sleep. It eliminates all pain, movement, and memory during surgery. Our surgeons administer it through an IV or inhaled gas, and a dedicated anesthesia team continuously monitors your heart rate, oxygen levels, and blood pressure until you wake up.

How General Anesthesia Differs from IV Sedation

General anesthesia and IV sedation are both excellent choices, but they serve different needs. The table below compares the two so you can see which fits your procedure.

Feature	General Anesthesia	IV Sedation
Level of consciousness	Fully unconscious, deep sleep	Awake but deeply relaxed, may drift in and out
Patient memory of procedure	No memory	Little to no memory for most patients
Who administers	Board-certified oral surgeon or anesthesiologist	Oral surgeon with sedation training
Recovery time	Grogginess for several hours; back to normal by next day	Mild drowsiness for a few hours
Typical procedures used for	Complex surgeries (wisdom teeth, jaw surgery, full-arch implants)	Minor to moderate procedures (single extractions, implant placement)
Cost and insurance considerations	Often covered for medical necessity; verify with your plan	Typically covered; may have lower out-of-pocket

For long or invasive surgeries, general anesthesia provides the stillness and pain control needed for optimal outcomes.

Why Our Board-Certified Surgeons Are Qualified to Administer General Anesthesia

All three of our oral surgeons hold board certification in oral and maxillofacial surgery. They are also U.S. Navy veterans who completed rigorous residencies at Naval Medical Centers. Drs. Lee and Ferguson are Diplomates of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Fellows of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Dr. Trotter served 13 years active duty, including a tour as an oral surgeon in Italy. Beyond patient care, our surgeons teach the next generation of military OMS residents at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth. This combination of training, teaching, and practice ensures you receive the highest standard of safety and expertise.

Benefits of Choosing General Anesthesia for Your Procedure

General anesthesia offers several advantages for patients who want to be completely unaware of their surgery:

You feel no pain and have no memory of the procedure.
Our surgeons can work without interruptions from movement, which often leads to better surgical precision.
It is ideal for lengthy or multiple procedures, such as full-mouth extractions or corrective jaw surgery.
You wake up with the surgery finished, making the experience much less stressful.

Ready to learn if general anesthesia is right for you? Call us at (757) 838-3975 to schedule a consultation.

Which Procedures Are Typically Performed Under General Anesthesia?

General anesthesia is commonly used for wisdom teeth removal, especially when all four teeth are impacted or the patient has significant anxiety. It is also standard for corrective jaw surgery, bone grafting, multiple dental implant placements, and reconstructive procedures. Our surgeons also offer other sedation and anesthesia options to match your comfort level and medical needs. For straightforward extractions or minor implant cases, IV sedation or oral sedation may be appropriate alternatives.

What to Expect: Before, During, and After General Anesthesia

Knowing the steps helps reduce anxiety about going under anesthesia for oral surgery.

How to Prepare for General Anesthesia

You will receive specific instructions before your surgery. Typically, you must avoid eating or drinking anything after midnight the night before. Wear loose, comfortable clothing and arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home. Bring a list of your medications and any relevant medical records.

What Recovery Looks Like After Going Under Anesthesia

When your surgery finishes, you will be moved to a recovery area where our team monitors you until you are fully awake. You may feel groggy or sleepy for the rest of the day. We recommend resting at home with a cold pack and soft foods. Most patients return to normal activities by the next morning. Detailed aftercare instructions are provided, and we are always available to answer questions.

Is General Anesthesia Right for You? (Anesthesia Options at Hampton OMS)

Not every patient needs general anesthesia. We evaluate your medical history, the complexity of your surgery, and your personal preferences before making a recommendation. If you have severe anxiety, a strong gag reflex, or are undergoing a major procedure, general anesthesia may be the best choice. We also offer IV sedation and oral sedation, and we will discuss all options with you during your consultation.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About General Anesthesia for Oral Surgery

Is general anesthesia safe for oral surgery?

Yes. When administered by our board-certified oral surgeons in a fully equipped office, general anesthesia is very safe. We continuously monitor your vital signs throughout the procedure.

Will I be completely unconscious during the procedure?

Yes. General anesthesia puts you into a deep sleep. You will not feel, hear, or remember anything. You simply wake up when the surgery is done.

What should I avoid eating or drinking before general anesthesia?

Do not eat or drink anything for at least 8 hours before your surgery. Our office will give you exact timing instructions based on your schedule.

How long does it take to recover from general anesthesia after oral surgery?

Most people feel tired for the rest of the day but are back to normal the next morning. You need a ride home and someone to stay with you for 24 hours.

Does insurance cover general anesthesia for oral surgery?

Many insurance plans cover general anesthesia when it is medically necessary. We will verify your benefits and explain any costs before your procedure. For more details, visit our patient information page.

Begin Your Consultation Today

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Accepting new patients and most major insurance. Our board-certified surgeons are ready to guide you through your oral surgery needs with skill, precision, and genuine care.

Take the next step toward comfortable care. Call (757) 838-3975 to book your appointment.