There are a few types of anesthesia that we can use during your oral surgery procedure.
We understand that the idea of surgery and anesthesia can be uncomfortable and intimidating for some people to think about ahead of any procedures. Our team is very aware of this and we make sure that the entire process is thoroughly explained and that our entire team is trained on the safest and most up-to-date techniques when it comes to administering anesthesia and pain medications during surgery procedures.
Make sure to discuss anesthesia and pain management with your doctor during your initial consultation for the most commonly used types of anesthesia which include:
General Anesthesia
General Anesthesia is what doctors use to put patients in a sleep-like state with a combination of medications that prevent the patient from feeling pain and experiencing the surgery. These medications essentially block the brain from receiving pain signals while you’re in surgery.
While you are under anesthesia, your doctor will monitor your vital functions and breathing to ensure that you are safe through the procedure. Our oral surgery team is specially trained to administer general anesthesia for procedures when necessary.
When receiving general anesthesia, you will need a ride home after your appointment.
IV Sedation
Another common term in surgery, Intravenous (IV) sedation is administered by taking medication through a vein or orally. IV sedation works very quick and even though you are conscious through the procedure and can respond to your doctors signals, your memory of the surgery will be vague if any. This form of sedation doesn’t offer pain relief, so it is usually used in combination with local anesthesia or other pain medications. When receiving this form of medication, you will need a ride home after your appointment.
Local Anesthesia
This is the numbing of the area where the procedure is to be performed. Commonly referred to as novocaine, there are a number of medications that can be used in this type of numbing. This type of anesthesia temporarily blocks pain in the local area and usually wears off within a couple of hours. You can usually drive yourself after receiving local anesthesia, but it’s best to discuss this with your doctor.
Nitrous Oxide
More commonly referred to as laughing gas, nitrous oxide might be used to relax you or make you less nervous about your treatment. The effects of nitrous oxide wear off relatively fast and can be used with oral medication. You may or may not be able to drive yourself home from your appointment if nitrous oxide is used, so please discuss this with your doctor.
If you’ve been putting off a necessary procedure to improve your oral health over the fear of pain or the procedure itself, talk with one of our doctors during your consultation about the methods used to lessen your pain or nervousness. Our doctors will be able to talk to you about the methods available for your procedure and be assured that you’ll be provided with a safe and comfortable oral surgery experience.