“Can a root canal be performed under general anesthesia?”

Hi!

There are some dentists that perform sedation dentistry and they can definitely help you for deeper anesthesia. Normally, although we would give an anxious patient nitrous oxide sedation to calm their nerves, I would recommend seeking out a dentist that you feel more comfortable with that can provide at least the nitrous gas.
Hope this helps!

This would be extremely unusual. There are dentists who offer sedation. There are dentists who work with anesthesiologists and/or nurse anesthetists to offer sedation. General anesthesia has been given for dental procedures but these are usually much more extensive than a root canal.

Talk with your dentist. He or she will be able to prescribe anti-anxiety oral medications for you to take prior to the procedure so you can get by with just local anesthesia, but if you definitely need general anesthesia, it can be arranged.

GM

Yes, it can. But is normally not recommended because of the length of the procedure.

You can ask, however most root canals can be performed in the dental office with sedation and local anesthesia. Dental offices are unable to offer and monitor appropriately general anesthesia. This would require you to go to a surgical center of hospital which may not be covered by your insurance provider. General anesthesia while safe is not without risk and requires an anesthesia provider meet and discuss everything with you to determine if you are a candidate. In my experience most dental providers especially root canal dentists if you are forthright with them of your concern and anxiety, will provide some medication to take before your procedure and some light sedation to use during the procedure or Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) if warranted, not contra-indicated and available.