How to Get Put to Sleep at the Dentist

Nobody likes going to the dentist, but some patients are flat-out afraid of it. General anesthetic can help because it puts the patient in a reversible state of unconsciousness during the operation. But it's not always necessary. Being anesthetized requires you to find a properly certified dentist, and to make a compelling case as to why you should be asleep during the procedure.

Instructions

• 1

  Ensure that the dentist has general anesthetic equipment. Some dentists have limited practices and use only local anesthetics (numbing solutions). Others use deep sedation and general anesthetic commonly. These practices often are advertised as "painless dentistry."

• 2

  See that the dentist has state dental board certification to use general anesthetic equipment.

• 3

  Tell the dentist why you want general anesthetic. If you don't deal well with pain, explain that--but know that a well-administered local anesthetic may be all you need. If you're fearful of the procedure itself (seeing the dentist pick at your teeth, and hearing the whir of the instruments), a general anesthetic may be best.

• 4

  Tell the dentist of any extenuating circumstances. Dentists may be more inclined to use general anesthetic on skittish children or patients whose mental disabilities may cause them to interfere with the procedure.

• 5

  Listen to your dentist. It is possible that your procedure can be done without general anesthetic, especially if the dentist uses modern technology such as dental lasers and air-abrasion units.

  If your dentist recommends against general anesthetic, listen to the reasoning and consider whether you could handle staying awake during the procedure.