Clod,
The procedure requires only parenteral anesthesia. Local infiltration for maxillary teeth, mandibular block for all mandibular teeth on the side of the injection (possibly just a long buccal block if it's the molar area). These won't impair his ability to drive.
If he opts for general anesthesia; or, sedation - he should have a ride. Some dentists won't begin the procedure unless he acknowledges that it's been arranged.
I've administered the aforementioned nerve blocks and local infiltration and I've been the recipient of them, all without sedation. My first day in dental rotation during clinicals I performed 17 simple extractions while my supervising dentist was in another treatment room bifurcating molars. (I'm not qualified to drill).
True story: During a subsequent annual dental sustainment training period, I was assisting my supervising dentist in a four hand procedure when from the next treatment room I heard WHACKA ... WHACKA ... WHACKA! I looked at the dentist and he said
That's the dentist from Jordan who's unit is here training with us. He went to dental school in the US and knows how to drill; but, he doesn't have drills back home so he's using a mallet and chisel. He said he doesn't want his troops to get used to the drills.
I keep a dental mallet and chisel (along with various tooth forceps, periosteal elevators, excavators ... etc.) in my field dental kit to this day. We don't need no stinkin' drills.
