Oral Surgery Anesthesia Options
Different Options for Different Procedures
Options include:
- Intravenous (IV) General Anesthesia: Medications are administered through an IV to allow the patient to sleep during the procedure. This technique is generally reserved for young, healthy patients. The depth of anesthesia can be affected by past or present alcohol or drug habits and/or current prescription drugs. A driver will be required with this type of anesthetic.
- IV Sedation: Medications administered through an IV to allow the patient to be in a light sleep during the procedure. This technique is generally utilized to help the anxious patient through the procedure. A driver will be required with this type of anesthetic.
- Oral Sedation with Nitrous Oxide and Local Anesthesia: Two pills are prescribed to the patient. The first pill will be taken one hour prior to surgery. Please be sure to bring the second pill to your surgery appointment with you. Nitrous oxide and local anesthesia are administered once the patient is in the operation room. A driver will be required with this type of anesthetic.
- Nitrous Oxide and Local Anesthesia: Laughing gas is administered and then local anesthesia is delivered.
- Local Anesthesia only: Local anesthetic delivered to “numb” the area to be worked on.
- General Anesthesia in the hospital/surgery center: Patient is taken to the operating room and placed in a general anesthesia plain by an anesthesiologist. A breathing tube is placed and an anesthesia machine is utilized to maintain breathing and to keep the patient asleep. This option is utilized for complex (difficult) procedures, patients who may be difficult to sedate in the office, or patients with health problems who require the care of an anesthesiologist. A driver is required with this type of anesthetic.
Talk To Your Dentist
Anesthesia options will be discussed and your questions will be answered during the consultation. As noted above in #1, past or present alcohol or drug habits can affect the anesthesia. It is extremely important for you to notify our doctors and their assistants if this applies to you.
If a driver is required with the anesthesia option recommended for you, your driver must remain at the facility for the duration of your surgery. Drop off and pick up will not be permitted.
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