Health

Dr. Steven Paul, DDS Oral Surgeon Murrieta

Published

6 years ago

September 12, 2019

Four Types of Oral Surgery Anesthesia For Dental Patients

It’s not uncommon for a dental patient to feel anxious thinking about an upcoming dental procedure. At our clinic, we are always responsive to easing your nervousness or anxiety about dental treatment. We talk to you, understand your dental and personal profile and then suggest the right kind of oral surgery anesthesia to address the expected pain—nothing more, or less.

Giving anesthesia is about controlling the temporary loss of awareness or sensation. It provides relief from pain and brings down levels of anxiety during a dental procedure. The patient becomes numb to pain and stays relaxed while the dentist carries out the treatment in your mouth.

The type of dental treatment determines the degree of numbness to be attained. A simple procedure will probably need just the numbing of the area being treated. Sometimes, you may be required to be wholly unaware of events during a procedure, in which case you may need to be sedated.

Four Types of Oral Surgery Anesthesia Used By Dentists

Using Local Anesthetic

A local anesthetic alone is utilized when managing a simple and minimally invasive dental procedure. The anesthetic numbs only a part of your mouth, and you remain awake for the duration of the procedure.

Your dentist may use Lidocaine, which is a common local anesthetic medicine. It is injected in and surrounding the surgery area.

Explain How Local Anesthetics Work?

The first step involves the dentist drying the area with air or cotton or both. Usually, a gel is utilized to numb the skin. Your dentist will then gradually inject the local anesthetic. While most patients don’t feel pain due to the inserting needle, some may feel a bit of a sting.

The effect of an injection of local anesthesia can last up to a few hours. Following the procedure, the patient may find it challenging to eat, drink, or even speak clearly. It is normal to be awkward while using a straw while drinking, and you may need some towels after the procedure.

You will be cautioned not to bite on the numb area as you can hurt yourself without realizing it.

Nitrous Oxide Sedation With Local Anesthetic

You may be aware of the term “laughing gas” that is used on people during dental procedures. Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is an odorless and colorless breathable gas. It acts as a sedative and helps you stay calm. It will relax you by the pleasurable feelings it gives. It functions as an analgesic, and helps relieve pain.

Nitrous oxide is used for simple oral procedures as well as more complex dental procedures. It works quickly, and its effects are reversible. That’s why nitrous oxide is considered to be a safe sedation method.

If you’re about to have a wisdom tooth removed or dental implant insertion, call our office to find out if nitrous oxide sedation is best for you.

Even when nitrous oxide is used, a local anesthetic is still going to be used around the part in the mouth affected by the procedure.

What’s ‘Laughing Gas’ Or Nitrous Oxide And How Does It Work?

You will be given a mix of oxygen and nitrous oxide through a breathing apparatus before and during the procedure, and the gas will enable you to stay conscious and at ease.

The gas has a known side effect: mild amnesia, and till the time its effect goes away, you will not remember much of the procedure.

Clinic-Based Intravenous Anesthesia Using Local Anesthetic

I.V. or intravenous anesthesia triggers sedation. You will feel calm and relaxed state and not remember the dental procedure that’s usually discomforting.

Some dental patients stay asleep during the entire procedure. Some move in and out of “twilight sleep,” though they remain quite relaxed.

I.V. Anesthesia Eliminates Pain

A dental patient who is significantly anxious about dental procedures may request I.V. anesthesia even for a simple procedure.

Most patients choose I.V. anesthesia for wisdom teeth extraction or dental implants.

Skill Criteria For Dentist To Administer Anesthesia

Oral surgeons must fulfill conditions to offer general anesthesia during in-office dental procedures:

A minimum of 3 months of hospital-based anesthesia training
Passed in-office assessment carried out by state dental board examiner
Performed oral surgery utilizing general anesthesia under examiner’s oversight
Houses tested monitoring and emergency equipment
Experienced anesthesia-related emergencies

A state dental board will provide the oral surgeon a license to administer general anesthesia only after successful training and evaluation.

How Does A Dentist Use Intravenous Anesthesia?

A small intravenous needle is inserted into your arm vein. The dentist or staff places an I.V. tube that will drip the anesthetic through the needle and into your vein, and you will soon relax.

Call our office if you have questions about intravenous anesthesia. We will be happy to assist you with your concerns or questions.

General Anesthesia In Hospital

A hospital offers inpatient general anesthesia to patients who require extensive surgery such as TMJ surgery, and face and jaw reconstruction. An anesthesiologist administers the general anesthesia.

You are encouraged to speak with our dentist or dental office to clarify your doubt about general anesthesia.

Know Dr. Steven Paul, MD, DDS

It is Dr. Steven Paul’s top priority to keep you safe and comfortable, and oral surgery anesthesia helps our clinic to achieve relaxation during procedures.

Once you schedule a consultation for any dental procedure, Dr. Paul and his staff interact with you comprehensively about the most appropriate type of anesthesia. Dr. Paul takes extra care in addressing any concerns you may have and will not move forward until you are satisfied with the answers.

A member of the American Association of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons, Dr. Paul has more than 20 years of experience in all areas of oral surgery. He specializes in the treatment and restoration of missing teeth via dental implant procedures including full mouth rehabilitation (All-on-4), restoring both aesthetics and function, bone and soft tissue grafting, associated tumors and cysts in the oral cavity, and wisdom teeth removal.

Every anesthetic technique is customized for the individual patient at our dental clinic.

Health

White Boogers in Babies: What They Mean and How to Keep Little Noses Clear

Published

3 days ago

November 4, 2025

Michelle Langton

Spotting white boogers in your baby’s nose can make any parent pause and wonder if something’s wrong. Is it a cold? An allergy? Or just part of being a baby? In most cases, white mucus is perfectly normal—it’s your baby’s way of clearing out dust, dry air, or mild irritants. Unlike adults, babies can’t blow their noses, so even small buildups can make breathing sound stuffy or snuffly.

For safe and effective relief, a nasal aspirator for baby from Momcozy can be your best ally. It helps gently remove mucus without irritating delicate nasal passages, offering comfort and clear breathing in seconds. Understanding what white boogers indicate—and when to worry—helps parents handle congestion with confidence and care.

Just Mucus: What White Snot Tells You About the Nasal Passage

White boogers are often a sign of mild dryness or early-stage congestion. When mucus lacks enough moisture, it thickens and appears cloudy or white instead of clear. This is your baby’s natural defense system working to trap dust, germs, and other particles from the air.

The good news? White mucus typically means your baby’s body is managing irritants effectively. It’s not usually a sign of infection but rather a normal part of mucus production—especially in dry or air-conditioned environments.

The Anatomy of Dryness: Why White Boogers Are Often a Sign of Low Humidity

If your baby wakes up with white or crusty boogers, it may be because the air around them is too dry. Indoor heating, air conditioners, or even fans can lower humidity levels, drying out your baby’s nasal membranes.

Dry air thickens mucus, making it appear opaque or white. This can lead to mild congestion, snoring sounds, or harder boogers around the nostrils. Running a cool-mist humidifier near your baby’s crib helps maintain ideal moisture levels in the air and keeps nasal passages naturally clear and soft.

The Pre-Color Phase: Is White Mucus Just the Beginning of a Cold?

Sometimes, white mucus can indicate the very early stage of a common cold. When a virus first enters your baby’s system, the body produces thicker mucus to trap and remove it. During this phase, mucus may shift from clear to white before becoming yellow or green as immune cells become more active.

If your baby’s only symptom is mild congestion and no fever or fussiness, there’s usually no need to worry. Keep an eye on the mucus color and texture—if it thickens or changes color alongside symptoms like irritability or poor feeding, it might be time to consult your pediatrician.

How to Help: Gently Rehydrating the Nasal Airway with Saline Solution

Rehydrating your baby’s nasal passages is one of the simplest and safest ways to handle white boogers. Saline drops or sprays help loosen thick mucus, making it easier to remove.

Here’s how:

Lay your baby on their back with their head slightly tilted.
Apply one or two drops of saline into each nostril.
Wait about 30 seconds to allow the solution to soften the mucus.
Use a nasal aspirator for baby to gently suction out the mucus.

Repeat this process before feeding or sleep times to ensure your baby can breathe comfortably throughout the day and night.

Boosting the Environment: The Key Role of Humidifiers in Reducing Dry Mucus

A well-hydrated environment does wonders for preventing nasal dryness and white mucus. By maintaining optimal humidity levels (around 40–50%), you help keep your baby’s nasal membranes moist and functional.

Running a humidifier, especially during dry or cold months, is an effective preventive measure. It keeps mucus from hardening, making it less likely for your baby to develop congestion. Pair this with regular cleaning of the humidifier to prevent mold and bacteria growth that could worsen nasal irritation.

The “Milk Crud” Myth: Distinguishing White Mucus from Spit-Up or Formula Residue

Parents often confuse white boogers with dried milk or formula residue—especially if it’s seen near the nostrils or mouth. The difference lies in texture and location.

White mucus tends to be sticky and stretchy, while milk residue looks flaky or chalky. If your baby spits up frequently, it’s possible for small amounts of milk to reach the nasal area, especially during sleep.

Safe Removal Techniques: Getting Stubborn White Boogers Out Without Irritating the Nose

When boogers become hard or stuck, resist the urge to pick them out with your fingers or a cotton swab. This can scratch your baby’s delicate nasal lining and cause bleeding. Instead, soften the area first.

You can do this by:

Applying a few saline drops to loosen the mucus.
Running a steamy shower for a few minutes to let your baby inhale warm moisture.
Using a Momcozy nasal aspirator for baby to gently suction out the softened mucus.
Wiping the outside of the nostrils with a clean, damp cloth.

These steps ensure a safe and gentle cleaning process while avoiding any harm to your baby’s nose.

When to Check In: When White Snot Is Accompanied by Other Concerning Symptoms

White boogers alone are rarely a reason to panic, but if they’re accompanied by other symptoms, it may be time to seek medical advice.

Call your pediatrician if you notice:

Persistent nasal congestion lasting more than a week.
Difficulty breathing or feeding.
Fever or irritability.
Thick white mucus that turns yellow or green with time.

These signs may indicate an infection or allergy that needs professional attention. Always trust your instincts—if your baby seems uncomfortable or their breathing changes, getting checked is the best course of action.

Summary

In most cases, white boogers in babies are simply a sign of dryness or mild congestion, not illness. Your baby’s nose is just doing its job by trapping dust and debris. Keeping the air humid, using saline drops, and clearing mucus gently with a nasal aspirator for baby can prevent discomfort and ensure easy breathing.

However, it’s important to stay observant. If the white mucus persists, thickens, or is paired with symptoms like fever or poor feeding, contact your pediatrician. With regular nasal care, proper hydration, and the right tools, you can keep your baby’s tiny nose clear, healthy, and ready to take in every breath with ease.