Great point and I see that commenters above are suggesting conscious sedation (benzos) instead of general, which would probably be propofol in this case. Both benzos and propofol act at the same chloride channel...
Benzodiazepines are considerate anxiolytics whereas propofol would be considered moderate sedation. Neither of these require airway control (intubation) because people tend to keep breathing on their own and we really would much prefer that.
With general anesthesia, you cannot protect your airway whatsoever and will need some form of airway control via either endotracheal intubation or LMA.
The patient is aware, can breathe on their own, and can respond to basic commands, but is relaxed, with a much higher pain threshold, and has no memory of the event.
That sync with your experience, doc?