Anesthesiologist Questions Root Canal

Are root canals done under general anesthesia?

I need to have a root canal next week, but I'm already very nervous about it. Is it possible to get a root canal done under general anesthesia?

6 Answers

Not all dental offices have the equipment and personnel for general anesthesia. Could be done in hospital and will add more costs. Suggest you talk with your doctor for prescription of a sedative to be taken in the morning of surgery.
It's really not necessary to get general anesthesia. A good local anesthetic should suffice.
General anesthesia is good for extensive treatment. Each root canal is different. While your tooth is being root canaled, your dentist may need you to answer questions. You may find a dentist who would be able to have an an anesthetist in the office while you are having root canal. Are you financially prepared to pay out of pocket? You have to discuss this with your dentist. You may be referred to another dentist who may have have an anesthetist on staff.
Root canals are rarely done under general anesthesia. They are most often done with local anesthesia and possibly some light IV sedation. General anesthesia is not without risks and local with IV sedation avoids some of those risks. The sedation should help you overcome your nervousness.
Generally root canals are not done under general anesthesia. But if you are nervous you can ask for an anti anxiety medication.
Although most root canals are done with just regular local anesthesia (numbing the one tooth with an injection), It is definitely possible to have the procedure done with sedation. Find a general dentist or an endodontists ( a root canal specialist) that offers sedation dentistry, relax, and snooze through your procedure.