Services

Anesthesia Options


We understand that many patients are apprehensive or even outright scared to have surgery in their mouth. Before your surgery, we will discuss all options to make your visit comfortable and to allay any fears you may have.  During your consultation, we will evaluate what is best for you based on your age, health history, anxiety level, and the type of surgery.  Together we will decide what will be the safest and most comfortable option, whether it is general anesthesia or just local numbing prior to your surgery.

Local Anesthesia

After a topical numbing agent is used on your gums, local anesthesia is administered to numb the teeth and gums near the area being worked on.  This will last only a couple of hours. This is a great option for patients who have little or no anxiety before the procedure.

Laughing Gas/Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous Oxide, or “laughing gas”, is an odorless gas that is mixed with oxygen and breathed in through a nasal mask during surgery.  It does not put you to sleep, but will help relieve any nervousness or anxiety while you are in the office.  There are no residual effect from the gas once you leave the office.  You will be able drive yourself home and will not feel any lasting effects throughout the day. This is not a good option for patients who are oxygen dependent or who have severe lung disease. Because the gas does not sedate you, this is a good option for patients with mild anxiety who do not mind being aware and awake during the procedure.

IV Sedation/General Anesthesia

IV Anesthesia is the best option for patients with moderate to severe levels of anxiety or who will be undergoing more extensive surgery. The decision to undergo IV sedation will depend on your health, age and other factors that will be discussed during a consultation. Most IV sedation will be performed in the office, but depending on your health it may be performed in a hospital setting. With general anesthesia you will not be aware of anything during the procedure and will not remember anything afterward.  If you plan to undergo IV sedation be sure to read our Instructions Before Anesthesia.

Instruction Before Having General Anesthesia

Oral surgical care in a safe, warm, and caring environment!

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5 of 5 stars of 811

Dr. Loveless and his team were amazing! I was a new patient and called to see if I could get in right away to remove a wisdom tooth. It was an emergency, and they got me in within the hour!! The staff through out my whole experience, from the front desk to the dental assistants, were GREAT!!!! The office was fresh and clean. I highly recommend Dr. Loveless if you’re looking for an oral surgeon.

Raegan M.
Happy Patient

5 of 5 stars of 811

Dr. Loveless was wonderful, kind, professional, and really made me feel comfortable. He is the kind of man you would want as your regular dentist for not only yourself, but for also your family, neighbors, former roommates twice removed (you get the picture lol). I was completely and utterly scared when I went in and he and the staff helped ease my fears. I didn’t feel anything, he worked quickly, and I left feeling really confident in his work. I hope I never need oral surgery again but if I do, I’m going to [him], hands down. I would absolutely recommend [him] to anyone. 🙂

Jenny C.
Happy Patient

5 of 5 stars of 811

Dr. Loveless is amazing. I will continue to use and refer people to him.

5 of 5 stars of 811

I had a great experience at Archway. I went there to get four wisdom teeth removed. The office was clean. The staff was nice and efficient. Dr. Loveless was warm and the Spotify music was a nice touch. The procedure went through with no problems and I didn’t feel a thing. I received a post op call and great instructions. Overall, the experience exceeded my expectations after you hear all the horror stories regarding wisdom teeth removal.

5 of 5 stars of 811

“For the gentle care on my three extractions–you’re the best!”

5 of 5 stars of 811

Great place. Super nice staff and quick procedures. Everyone I know who got surgery done elsewhere was bedridden for a week but I had almost immediate recovery time. Highly recommend this place

Clayton J.
Happy Patient

5 of 5 stars of 811

My father had gone for a root canal the night before and a root fracture was discovered so the tooth could not be saved. We called the next morning to set up an oral surgery appointment and Dr. Loveless was able to accommodate him the same day. The staff explained everything in great detail regarding finances and post operative instructions. Dr. Loveless also discovered another area of concern and removed an additional tooth. This was extremely helpful since my dad is on blood thinners and we really wanted to avoid having to make two trips. Very clean office as well. Will recommend everyone we know to the practice.

5 of 5 stars of 811

We were headed to Florida when my son came down with an abscessed tooth. Dr. Loveless was able to get us in and remove his tooth before our flight. I can’t thank Laurie enough for making what could be a scary experience for my 7 year old, a fun, pleasant one. I can’t express how thankful I am for her treating him like her own and making sure he was comfortable. She went above and beyond in my eyes and made this nervous mom rest a little easier. Thank you both!!!

5 of 5 stars of 811

What can I say? No one likes to visit the dentist…especially for anything other than having their teeth cleaned. I am no different. Hated that I had to have a tooth taken out but it was necessary. I was referred here by my dentist to see Dr. Loveless. If I ever have to have anything else done from an oral surgeon, I would never wish to see anyone else. Dr. Loveless and his staff not only made me feel less anxious but they were super nice and made sure that I knew everything that was being done. I would refer them to anyone with complete confidence! If I could give them more than 5 stars, I would. I want to tell them all thank you for making this process much easier on me. Just an amazing staff and surgeon!!

5 of 5 stars of 811

Dr. Loveless,

Thank you for making my tooth extraction so quick and easy. I was expecting a lot of pain. Haven’t experienced any residual pain, either since I woke up the following morning. You should hang a shingle stating “painless Dentist”!! Also, your staff is so kind and attentive. I would definitely come back when needed, and recommend you to anyone in need. Though I don’t wish that pre-surgery pain on any person (or animal) for that matter!

 

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St. Louis Office

Washington Office

St. Louis Office

Office: (314) 328-5995

Address:
16 Hampton Village

Plaza Suite #200

St. Louis, MO 63109

Washington Office

Office: (636)-239-5959

Fax: (314) 328-5996

Address:
551 E 5th Street

Washington, MO 63090

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