Patient Comfort & Safety
IV Sedation & General Anesthesia
Most patients choose between two experiences: staying awake with local anesthesia, or going completely to sleep. Dr. Skip Harris is licensed to offer both — in-office, without a hospital visit.
Your Comfort Is Our Priority
At Harris Oral Surgery & Implant Center, Dr. Brown "Skip" Harris III, DDS, is specially trained and licensed to administer IV sedation and general anesthesia in our office. That means you have a real choice about how you experience your procedure — and most patients never need to set foot in a hospital.
In practice, the decision comes down to two experiences: staying awake with local anesthesia, or going completely to sleep. Dr. Harris will help you choose the right approach based on your procedure, medical history, and personal comfort level.
Two Ways to Experience Your Procedure
Most patients choose one of two paths. Dr. Harris will discuss which is right for you during your consultation.
Awake, area numbed
Awake — Local Anesthesia
A local anesthetic is injected at the surgical site to block pain in that specific area. You remain fully awake and aware throughout the procedure. This is appropriate for straightforward extractions and minor procedures in patients who are comfortable being awake.
Fully asleep, no memory
Asleep — IV Sedation or General Anesthesia
Administered intravenously, this option puts you completely to sleep for the procedure. Depending on your needs, Dr. Harris may use IV sedation (conscious sedation) or true general anesthesia — both result in the same patient experience: you are asleep, comfortable, and have no memory of the procedure. Dr. Harris is licensed to administer both in-office.
When Is the "Asleep" Option Recommended?
Going to sleep is not required for every procedure, but Dr. Harris commonly recommends it for:
- Wisdom teeth removal, especially all four impacted teeth in a single visit
- Dental implant placement and related bone grafting procedures
- Patients with significant dental anxiety or phobia
- Patients with certain medical or behavioral conditions that make cooperation during a procedure difficult
- Extensive surgical procedures requiring a longer operating time
- Patient preference after a thorough discussion of the risks and benefits
The decision is made collaboratively between you and Dr. Harris based on your individual health profile and surgical needs. There is no pressure either way.
Preparing for Your Procedure
Before any procedure involving IV sedation or general anesthesia, Dr. Harris will conduct a thorough preoperative evaluation — reviewing your complete medical history, current medications, allergies, and any prior anesthesia experiences.
If you are choosing the "asleep" option, standard preparation guidelines include:
Your specific preparation instructions may vary. Always follow the written instructions provided by our office.
What to Expect on the Day of Surgery
Arrival & Check-In
Arrive at the scheduled time with your escort. Our team will review your health history and answer any last-minute questions.
Monitoring Setup
Before anesthesia is administered, monitoring equipment is placed to track your heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and other vital signs throughout the procedure.
Going to Sleep
IV sedation or general anesthesia is administered by Dr. Harris. The onset is rapid — most patients are asleep within moments and comfortable before the surgical procedure begins.
Surgery
Dr. Harris performs the procedure while you are completely asleep. Continuous monitoring ensures your safety throughout.
Waking Up
After surgery, you will rest in our recovery area until you are stable and alert enough to be discharged. Our team monitors you closely during this time.
Discharge & Aftercare
You will be discharged into the care of your escort with written postoperative instructions. You should not drive, operate machinery, or make important decisions for the remainder of the day.
Monitoring, Safety & Possible Risks
Patient safety is the foundation of every procedure at Harris Oral Surgery & Implant Center. Dr. Harris is specially trained and licensed to administer IV sedation and general anesthesia in an office-based surgical setting, and our facility is equipped with the monitoring and emergency equipment required for safe anesthesia delivery.
Throughout your procedure, continuous monitoring of vital signs — including heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation — is maintained. Our team is trained in advanced life support and emergency protocols.
As with any medical procedure, anesthesia carries potential risks. These may include nausea, dizziness, or temporary grogginess upon waking. Dr. Harris will discuss the specific risks and benefits with you during your preoperative consultation so you can make a fully informed decision.
Recovery & Aftercare
Recovery varies by individual and by the type of anesthesia used. Most patients feel groggy or drowsy for several hours after the procedure — this is completely normal.
A responsible adult must drive you home and remain with you for the rest of the day. You should not drive, operate heavy machinery, consume alcohol, or make significant decisions until the following day.
You will receive detailed written postoperative instructions before leaving our office. Follow these carefully, and contact us if you have any concerns during your recovery.
Why Choose Harris Oral Surgery?
Licensed for IV Sedation & General Anesthesia
Dr. Harris holds the license to administer both IV sedation and true general anesthesia in-office — giving you a genuine choice about how you experience your procedure, without a hospital visit.
Board-Certified Oral Surgeon
Dr. Brown "Skip" Harris III, DDS, is a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon with extensive training in surgical procedures and anesthesia management.
Continuous Monitoring Throughout
Your vital signs are monitored throughout every procedure. Our team is trained in advanced life support and emergency protocols.
Two Phoenix Locations
We serve patients from two convenient Phoenix-area offices, with appointments available Monday through Friday.
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions About Sedation or Anesthesia?
Contact Harris Oral Surgery & Implant Center to schedule a consultation with Dr. Harris. We'll answer your questions and help you feel confident and prepared for your procedure.
Learn about Wisdom Teeth Removal