Your surgery · Step 03
Anesthesia & sedation.
What kind of anesthesia you might have, who gives it, how it is billed, and why the 24-hour rules matter.
Types of anesthesia and sedation
Not every procedure uses the same approach. Your surgeon and anesthesia provider choose the safest option for your specific procedure and health history.
- Local anesthesia. Numbs a small, specific area. You stay fully awake.
- Moderate sedation. Medication that relaxes you and may make you drowsy, while you can still respond to voice. Often paired with local anesthesia.
- MAC / deep sedation. Monitored anesthesia care that can range from light drowsiness to sleeping through the procedure, with continuous monitoring by an anesthesia provider.
- General anesthesia. You are fully asleep and unaware, with your breathing supported as needed.
Who provides your anesthesia
Your anesthesia is provided by a qualified anesthesia provider. You will meet them before your procedure, and they will answer any questions you have.
Will I get a separate bill for anesthesia?
Often, yes. We will tell you plainly, before your procedure is scheduled, whether your anesthesia provider is in your network. See our billing page for more on separate bills.
Common effects afterward
- Grogginess or drowsiness
- A sore throat
- Nausea
- Chills or shivering
These are usually temporary. Tell your nurse if any of them feel severe.
Tell us before your procedure if you have
- Had a problem with anesthesia before
- A family history of malignant hyperthermia
- Sleep apnea or use a CPAP machine
- Loose teeth, dentures, or recent dental work
- Reflux or heartburn
- A possibility of pregnancy
