Local anaesthetic is a safe and effective way to numb the teeth and surrounding structures. Some procedures can be done under local anaesthetic – for example, the removal of a single tooth where the procedure is simple or straightforward.

A general anaesthetic involves the use of medication to make you unconscious, and allows you to have your procedure while you are asleep. It is administered by a specialist anaesthetic doctor.

General anaesthetics are only performed in a private hospital setting. You are often able to go home on the same day, after you have recovered from the anaesthetic (this is known as day surgery). You may choose to have a general anaesthetic if your procedure is more complex, or you are anxious about your surgery.