Anesthesia Services

Local anesthesia is a common numbing medication used in virtually all oral surgery procedures, sometimes in conjunction with other forms of anesthesia. Local anesthesia is applied to numb the area being treated and prevent any pain. If we use local anesthesia alone, you will remain conscious throughout surgery but feel no pain. You will be able to eat a light meal before your procedure and drive yourself home. Usually, the only sensation felt during the procedure is some pressure around the surgical area. Simpler procedures, like some extractions and soft tissue procedures, usually only require local anesthesia.

Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is used along with a local anesthetic to put you in a more relaxed state throughout the procedure. Nitrous oxide has a calming and pain-controlling effect, but you will remain conscious. More complicated extractions and other procedures may require nitrous oxide, which makes it easier for patients to undergo longer procedures.

IV anesthesia is used for longer procedures in the office or in cases where the patient has anxiety. IV anesthesia allows the patient to fall into a sleep-like state, having no awareness of the procedure taking place. You will need a designated driver to take you home after your procedure if you receive IV sedation. Patients will not be able to eat or drink for at least eight hours before undergoing IV anesthesia. Wisdom teeth extractions, dental implant procedures, and other more involved outpatient procedures are usually done under IV sedation and local anesthesia.

Hospital-based general anesthesia is used for more extensive jaw and facial surgeries. Reconstructive jaw surgeries, TMJ surgery, and other procedures may require general anesthesia. Usually, an anesthesiologist at the hospital will assist with these surgeries. Some patients can be driven home the same day as the procedure, but in other cases, an overnight stay may be necessary.