Advantages

• Significant pain control
• Significant sedation/general anesthesia
• Complete control of gag reflexes
• Not reversible (comfortable ride home)
• Complete control the level of sedation, very predictable comfort
• Can be combined with oral sedation for a comfortable ride to the office

Disadvantages

• Medical risk
• Prior arrangements (Anesthesiologist, empty stomach & ride home)
• Patient must be in good overall health
• Cost: $1000.00 – 2000.00 per visit

Best For

• Patients in good overall health
• Overwhelmingly fearful patients
• Patients who have had bad reactions to/with local anesthesia
• Patients who are impossible to get numb
• Patients with a grossly hyperactive gag reflex
• Very long, difficult/extensive procedures
• When comfort is important
• When predictable sedation is essential