Several methods of Anesthesia are available. The method of anesthesia that is chosen depends upon the nature of the surgical procedure and the patient’s level of apprehension.
Local Anesthesia
The patient remains totally conscious throughout the procedure. A local anesthetic (e.g. Lidocaine) is administered in the area where the surgery is to be performed. Local anesthetic is used in conjunction with the other methods of anesthesia in all oral surgery procedures.
Local anesthesia is used for minor oral surgery procedures such as minor soft tissue procedures and simple tooth extractions and the placement of dental implants
Nitrous Oxide Sedation with Local Anesthetic
A mixture of nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and oxygen is administered through a nasal breathing apparatus. The patient remains conscious in a relaxed condition. Nitrous oxide has a sedative and analgesic (pain-controlling) effect.
Nitrous Oxide sedation is used for minor oral surgery procedures and more involved procedures such as removal of wisdom teeth and placement of dental implants.
Intravenous Sedation (“Twilight Sleep”)
Our office offers our patients the option of Intravenous Sedation or to some it is referred to as “Twilight Sleep” for their treatment. IV sedation will help alleviate the anxiety associated with your treatment. IV Sedation helps you to be comfortable and calm when undergoing surgical procedures. It will enable you to tolerate as well as not remember those procedures that may be very uncomfortable for you. You may not always be asleep but you will be comfortable, calm and relaxed, drifting in and out of sleep – a “twilight sleep”.
How is the IV sedation administered?
A thin plastic catheter will be placed into a vein in your arm or hand. It will be attached to an intravenous tube through which medication will be given to help you relax and feel comfortable. Some patients with medical conditions and/or on specific drug regimens may only be lightly sedated and may not sleep at all.
The goal of IV sedation is to use as little medication as possible to get the treatment completed. It is very safe, because a constant “drip” is maintained via the intravenous tube. At any time an antidote can be administered to reverse the effects of the medications if necessary.
Office IV Anesthesia with Local Anesthesia
Medications are administered through an intravenous line (IV). The patient falls asleep and is completely unaware of the procedure being performed. Supplemental oxygen is delivered through a nasal breathing apparatus and the patient’s vital signs are closely monitored.
IV anesthesia is available for all types of oral surgery. A patient may choose general anesthesia for simple procedures depending on their level of anxiety. Most people having their wisdom teeth removed or having a dental implant placed will choose IV anesthesia.
Hospital or Surgery Center General Anesthesia
A patient is admitted to a hospital or surgery center where anesthesia is administered by an anesthesiologist.
Indicated for patients undergoing extensive procedures such as face and jaw reconstruction surgery. Also indicated for patients with medical conditions such as heart disease or lung disease that require general anesthesia.
Oral surgeons must have at least six months of hospital based anesthesia training. Dr Joseph completed 15 months of hospital based general anesthesia training and takes continuing education to stay current with the latest techniques.