Fully Asleep, Fully Safe
General anesthesia is an option for select dental procedures when complete unconsciousness and total comfort are needed. At Doctor Scott Clayhold, Dr. Scott Clayhold is personally trained in anesthesia delivery — one of the few oral surgeons in the Issaquah area qualified to provide this level of care in-office.
General anesthesia is different from oral or IV sedation. With sedation you relax but stay responsive; under general anesthesia you are fully asleep, feel no pain, and have no memory of the procedure. An anesthesia provider supports your breathing and continuously monitors your vital signs from start to finish.
Benefits of General Anesthesia
For the right patient, general anesthesia unlocks care that would otherwise be difficult or impossible:
- Complete comfort and freedom from awareness during treatment
- Longer or multiple procedures completed in a single visit
- Ideal for severe dental anxiety, strong gag reflex, or special needs
- Absolute stillness for surgical accuracy
- No memory of the procedure, which can reduce future dental fear
- Makes care possible for children or adults who cannot tolerate other methods
How General Anesthesia Works
After a preoperative evaluation and fasting period, anesthesia is started through a small IV. Medications send you to sleep within seconds. Your airway is supported and you receive supplemental oxygen. Additional medications maintain anesthesia at a steady level while your heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, and oxygen levels are continuously tracked.
Local anesthetic is still used at the surgical site to reduce post-operative soreness. When your procedure is finished, anesthesia medications are stopped and you are taken to a recovery area to wake up under close supervision.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
- Patients with severe dental anxiety or past trauma
- Special health care needs or sensory sensitivities
- A strong gag reflex that prevents traditional care
- Children who cannot tolerate in-chair treatment
- Longer or more complex surgical plans (multiple implants, full-arch, impacted extractions)
- Patients who prefer to have everything done in one visit
Your Appointment
We walk you through every detail well before the day of surgery so there are no surprises. Here’s what to expect before, during, and after general anesthesia.
Before
- Do not eat or drink for 6–8 hours before anesthesia unless clear liquids are specifically approved.
- Share all prescriptions, OTC drugs, and supplements — including blood thinners and diabetes meds.
- Report pregnancy, recent illness, sleep apnea, or any medical changes.
- Wear comfortable clothing; remove contacts, nail polish, and jewelry.
- Arrange a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you for 24 hours.
During
- You will be fully asleep and unaware.
- Your anesthesia provider monitors you continuously.
- The surgical team performs the planned treatment in a sterile, controlled environment.
- Local anesthetic is placed to reduce post-op discomfort.
After
- Recovery starts in the office and continues at home.
- Expect drowsiness, a mild sore throat, or temporary nausea that fades by evening.
- Start with soft foods, sip fluids, and rest.
- No driving, alcohol, or important decisions for 24 hours.
Safety & Monitoring
For healthy patients, the risk of general anesthesia is low when proper screening and monitoring are in place. Possible side effects include nausea, dizziness, sore throat, and temporary confusion. Serious complications are rare but possible, which is why a thorough evaluation is essential.
Extra caution is needed for patients with uncontrolled heart, lung, or metabolic disease, recent respiratory infections, or certain pregnancy stages. When general anesthesia isn’t the right fit, Dr. Clayhold offers IV sedation, oral sedation, and nitrous oxide as well-matched alternatives.
General Anesthesia FAQs
Ready to Plan a Comfortable Visit?
Talk with Dr. Scott Clayhold about whether general anesthesia is right for you. Contact Doctor Scott Clayhold at 425-651-6532">425-651-6532 to schedule a consultation.
Expect a Higher Level of Care Here
Expect a higher level of care where advanced technology, precision, and personalized attention come together to support lasting oral health.