Most people feel some level of anxiety before oral surgery — and for some patients, that anxiety is the main reason they’ve been putting it off. At McGann Oral Surgery in San Diego, anesthesia isn’t an afterthought. Dr. Grant McGann offers multiple sedation options so you can choose the level of comfort that’s right for you, and go through your procedure without fear, pain, or difficult memories.
If sedation is the reason you haven’t scheduled yet, let’s talk about your options before you commit to anything.
Anesthesia Options at McGann Oral Surgery
Every patient’s comfort threshold is different. During your consultation, Dr. McGann walks you through the available options and recommends what makes the most sense for your procedure and your anxiety level. You make the final call together.
Local Anesthesia
The area being treated is numbed with an injection. You’re fully awake and aware during the procedure, but you won’t feel pain in the surgical site. No fasting required. You can drive yourself home afterward.
Best for: patients with low anxiety and straightforward procedures.
Oral Pre-Medication
Before you arrive for surgery, Dr. McGann prescribes a medication you take ahead of time to reduce anxiety. You’ll arrive at the office already feeling calmer. This is often combined with local anesthesia or IV sedation for patients who are nervous before procedures even begin.
Best for: patients with significant pre-procedure anxiety, including needle phobia.
IV Sedation
A sedative is administered through an IV line, bringing you to a deeply relaxed state for the duration of the procedure. Most patients have no memory of the surgery at all. You’ll need someone to drive you home. [CLIENT TO CONFIRM: approximate time before patient is ready to leave after IV sedation]
Best for: anxious patients, complex procedures, or anyone who prefers to have no awareness of what’s happening.
At McGann Oral Surgery, IV sedation uses modern intravenous medications — not general anesthesia gas. Patients wake up faster, feel clearer, and rarely experience the nausea that’s common with gas-based hospital anesthesia. Most describe it as waking up from a restful nap with the procedure already done.
The artwork in the office was created by Dr McGann’s family including grandmother Nancy McGann.
What Makes the Anesthesia Experience Different Here
No Anesthesia Gas
Most hospital-based procedures use gas to maintain general anesthesia. Dr. McGann’s in-office IV sedation uses intravenous medications instead. The result is a faster, cleaner recovery — less grogginess, less nausea, and a quicker return to feeling like yourself.
Nausea Is Rare
Nausea used to be one of the most common complaints after anesthesia. With modern IV medications, it’s now uncommon at McGann Oral Surgery. Dr. McGann selects medications specifically to minimize this side effect.
Continuous Monitoring Throughout
From the moment sedation begins to the moment you’re ready to go home, you’re monitored continuously by Dr. McGann’s surgical team — trained and certified in anesthesia monitoring and recovery.
The IV Placement Itself Won’t Be an Issue
Fear of needles is one of the most common reasons patients avoid IV sedation. Dr. McGann addresses this directly. Topical numbing is applied to the skin before the IV goes in, making placement nearly painless. For patients who are very nervous, oral pre-medication before arrival means the IV goes in when you’re already relaxed. Dr. McGann is known for starting IVs quickly and with minimal discomfort.
Dr. Grant McGann has performed thousands of oral surgery procedures under IV sedation in San Diego. His patients routinely describe the experience the same way: they sat down, closed their eyes, and woke up to find it was already over.
"Most of our patients tell us they feel like they just had a restful nap, and they're relieved to find out their procedure is already done."
About Dr. Grant McGann
Dr. McGann is a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon and a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Unlike most general dentists, he is licensed to administer IV sedation in-office — a capability that requires specialized training beyond dental school. He has been providing sedation for oral surgery procedures in San Diego since 2008.
Does Insurance Cover Anesthesia?
It depends on the procedure and your plan. For surgical extractions and other medically necessary procedures, anesthesia fees are generally included in dental insurance coverage. McGann Oral Surgery is in-network with most major PPO dental plans — including Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield of CA, Cigna, Delta Dental, Guardian, Humana, MetLife, and United Healthcare.
Enrique, our financial services coordinator, will walk you through what your specific plan covers before your procedure. See the full list of insurance plans we accept.
Before Your Procedure — What You Need to Know
The surgery and anesthesia pre-op instructions page has the full breakdown, but here are the key points:
- Local anesthesia only: no food or drink restrictions; you can drive yourself home
- IV sedation: you must fast before the procedure and arrange for someone to drive you home — you cannot drive yourself
- Medications: Dr. McGann prescribes any pre-op medications after your consultation; pick them up promptly as most pharmacies only hold prescriptions for 7 days
- Regular medications: continue taking your normal medications as prescribed unless Dr. McGann specifically instructs otherwise
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I choose whether or not to have sedation?
Yes. The anesthesia decision is made together at your consultation. Dr. McGann will explain what’s available for your specific procedure and give his recommendation — but the choice is yours. If you’re undecided, you’re welcome to come in for a consultation only and schedule the procedure separately once you’ve had time to think it over.
Will I be completely unconscious with IV sedation?
Not in the same way as full general anesthesia. IV sedation brings you to a deeply relaxed, sleep-like state where you’re unaware of the procedure and form no memories of it. It’s sometimes called “twilight sedation.” You can be roused if needed, but most patients have no recollection of the procedure at all.
Is IV sedation safe?
Yes, when administered by a trained and licensed oral surgeon with proper monitoring. Dr. McGann is licensed to administer IV sedation in California and his team monitors patients continuously throughout every procedure.
What if I'm scared of needles?
This is one of the most common concerns Dr. McGann hears. Topical numbing is applied before the IV is placed, and oral pre-medication is available so you arrive at the office already calm. Most patients who were anxious about the IV say they barely noticed it.
How will I feel when I wake up?
Most patients feel groggy but comfortable. The IV medications used at McGann Oral Surgery are chosen specifically to minimize nausea and grogginess. Many patients describe waking up feeling like they just had a short nap. You’ll rest in the office until you’re ready to go home with your driver.
Do I need to fast before IV sedation?
Yes. You’ll receive specific fasting instructions before your procedure. Continue taking any regular medications with the smallest sip of water possible if needed.
Nervous? That’s Exactly Why We’re Here.
Dental anxiety is real — and it shouldn’t be the reason you put off a procedure your mouth needs. Dr. McGann has helped thousands of San Diego patients through oral surgery comfortably, including many who walked in genuinely scared and left relieved it was nothing like they expected.
McGann Oral Surgery is located at 3861 Front Street, San Diego, CA 92103 — get directions.