Safe, Monitored Anesthesia for Complex or High-Anxiety Procedures

General anesthesia offers a controlled and pain-free solution for patients undergoing complex oral and maxillofacial procedures by inducing a temporary state of unconsciousness, eliminating awareness and discomfort during surgery. At Hehr Oral Surgery, we administer general anesthesia in a fully equipped surgical environment, tailored for individuals requiring advanced care due to procedural complexity, medical conditions, or anxiety. Each patient receives focused monitoring and customized anesthetic management to ensure safety and comfort throughout the entire surgical experience. We proudly serve patients from Charleston, MacLaura Hall, Ladson, Hanahan, Summerville, St. George, Walterboro, Orangeburg, Santee, and Holly Hill—no referral necessary.

When Is General Anesthesia Recommended?

General anesthesia may be considered for:

• Multiple extractions or full-mouth procedures
• Surgical correction of jaw abnormalities
• Facial trauma repair
• Bone grafting or implant placement requiring extensive surgical access
• Patients with severe dental anxiety or phobia
• Pediatric patients unable to tolerate in-office procedures under local anesthesia
• Individuals with special healthcare needs requiring advanced accommodations

The decision to use general anesthesia is made after a thorough health review, and only when it is the safest and most effective method for treatment.

What to Expect Before and During General Anesthesia

Patients scheduled for surgery under general anesthesia will undergo a comprehensive pre-operative assessment, including a review of their medical history, current medications, and any underlying conditions that may affect anesthesia safety.

On the day of the procedure:

• The patient arrives with a responsible adult (required for transportation)
• Pre-operative instructions, including fasting guidelines, are reviewed
• Anesthesia is administered intravenously in a controlled environment
• Vital signs, oxygen levels, and heart function are continuously monitored throughout the procedure

Dr. R. Jason J. Hehr, DMD, along with a trained anesthesia support team, ensures all protocols are followed to maintain a stable, secure experience from induction through recovery.

Post-Operative Recovery

After the procedure, patients are closely monitored in our recovery area until the effects of anesthesia begin to wear off. Most patients feel groggy for several hours and should plan to rest for the remainder of the day.

Recovery instructions will include:

• Fluid and soft food guidelines
• Pain management protocols
• Activity restrictions for the first 24–48 hours
• When to resume normal routines or medications

Follow-up appointments will be scheduled to ensure healing is progressing as expected.

Our Commitment to Anesthesia Safety

Hehr Oral Surgery maintains the highest standards of patient safety and anesthesia care. Our facility is designed and equipped to meet the requirements for outpatient general anesthesia, including emergency response readiness and real-time monitoring systems.

Patients benefit from the expertise of a team trained in advanced life support and sedation protocols, with a calm and attentive environment that prioritizes your well-being at every stage of treatment.