Advantages

• Significant pain control / general anesthesia
• Complete control of gag reflexes
• Not reversible (comfortable ride home)
• Able to manage complex medical issues
• Complete control the level of sedation achieved for a given patient
• Can be combined with oral sedation

Disadvantages

• Medical risk
• Difficult access for routine care
• Excessive for short / easy procedures
• Prior arrangements (Anesthesiologist, OR time, empty stomach & ride home)
• Cost: $3000.00 – 10,000.00 per visit

Best For

• Patients with complex medical issues
• Patients who are unable to cooperate with treatment
• Overwhelmingly fearful patients
• Patients with a grossly hyperactive gag reflex
• Patients who have had bad reactions to/with local anesthesia
• Very long, extensive or difficult procedures
• When comfort is unavailable by other means