Anesthesia
Anxiety and fear are very common emotions to experience when one is about to undergo a surgical procedure. Our Surgeons and staff have undergone formal anesthesia training in a hospital setting and has the experience and knowledge to administer anesthesia in our office while delivering an outstanding level of care, along with safe, reliable results.
What Types of Anesthesia Are There?
Anesthesia can be administered locally, intravenously, or by inhalation and consists of administration of medication the effects of which are listed below:
Local Anesthesia
The surgical area will be numbed by injection of anesthetizing medication. You may still experience feelings of pressure, however, the sensations of pain and discomfort are blocked.
Nitrous Oxide
This safe, commonly used gas is administered via a mask placed over your nose. Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, creates feelings of warmth and safety, helping you relax. The gas is absorbed by the body to produce a calming sensation. The effects of the nitrous diminish quickly following removal of the mask. You’ll also receive local anesthetic after you begin breathing the nitrous oxide and before your procedure begins. Depending on the procedure you have performed, you may be able to drive and resume typical activities following your visit utilizing nitrous oxide.
IV Sedation
IV sedation, also known as conscious sedation, can give you the peace of mind you need to face your oral surgery procedures with confidence. You’ll receive sedating medication delivered directly into your blood stream via an IV. As you enter a “twilight sleep”, you’ll experience feelings of intense calm and relaxation. You can still respond to questions during your procedure, but you likely won’t remember anything about your procedure after you emerge from sedation.
We’ll monitor you throughout your IV sedation procedure, much the same way that patients are monitored in a hospital setting. In addition to sedating medications, the doctor will administer medications through the IV to reduce swelling and prevent nausea. We’ll administer local anesthetic to keep the surgical area numb following your procedure. You won’t be able to drive after your procedure. So please have a friend or family member accompany you to your appointment and remain in our waiting room in order to take you home and stay with you for several hours.
Expect to recover at home for at least 24 hours immediately following your procedure with IV sedation. Our team will provide you with instructions regarding the types of activities from which to refrain, as well as what to expect during your recovery period.
General Anesthesia
General anesthesia involves the use of sedating medications that eliminate all feelings of pain and anxiety, allowing you to rest in a state of deep relaxation in which you are unaware of the surgical procedure being performed. You’ll rest comfortably during your surgery and emerge gradually from the effects of general anesthesia. We’ll monitor you throughout your general anesthesia procedure. A friend or family member will need to drive you home and stay with you. You won’t be able to operate a vehicle or other machinery for approximately 24 hours following your procedure.
What are the Side Effects of Anesthesia?
You may feel disoriented, groggy, and confused when awaking from your procedure. Some other common side effects, which can occur rarely but usually resolve quickly include:
- Vomiting or nausea, which is usually alleviated with an anti-nausea medication
- Shakiness
- Chills
We will:
- Monitor your heart rate and rhythm with an ECG, breathing, blood oxygen levels, and blood pressure during your procedure
- Manage pain you may have after your procedure
- Ensure your comfort before, during, and after the procedure
When discussing options for IV sedation or general anesthesia, a complete, accurate, and up to date review of your medical history is necessary to determine if you are candidate for an in-office procedure. Please remember to tell us all of the medications you are taking, recent changes in your health, past surgeries, or medical procedures and medication allergies you may have. For patients with more serious medical concerns, a consultation with either your primary care physician or medical specialist may be needed prior to surgery. In some cases, your medical condition may be too serious such that treatment in our office is not recommended. In those cases, we will utilize one of our local hospitals for your surgery.