Anesthesia
Several methods of anesthesia are available. The method of anesthesia that is chosen for or by a patient depends upon the nature of the surgical procedure, the patient’s overall health, and the patient’s level of apprehension.
Anesthesia Options
The following table illustrates the choices of anesthesia, a description of the anesthetic technique, and some indications for that technique.
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MethodTypes of AnesthesiaDescription of TechniqueUsual Indications
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Method Local AnesthesiaDescription of Technique 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 anesthesia is used in conjunction with the other methods of anesthesia in all oral surgery procedures.Usual Indications Simple oral surgery procedures such as minor soft tissue surgery, tooth extractions, and dental implant surgery.Method
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Method Office Based IV Sedation/General AnesthesiaDescription of Technique Medications are administered through an intravenous line (I.V.). The patient falls asleep and is unaware of the procedure being performed. Medications most commonly used are Fentanyl (opiate), Midazolam (benzodiazepine), Ketamine, and Propofol. Supplemental oxygen is delivered through a nasal breathing apparatus and the patient’s vital signs are closely monitored.IV Sedation/General Anesthesia is available for all types of oral surgery. A patient may choose this option for simple procedures depending on their level of anxiety. Most people having their wisdom teeth removed or some having a dental implant placed will choose IV Sedation/General Anesthesia. A form of sedation may be necessary if local anesthesia fails to anesthetize the surgical site.
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Method Hospital or Surgery Center Based General AnesthesiaDescription of Technique A patient is admitted to a hospital or surgery center where anesthesia is administered by an anesthesiologist.Usual Indications Indicated for patients undergoing extensive procedures such as face and jaw reconstruction. Also indicated for patients with medical conditions such as heart disease or lung disease who require general anesthesia.
To administer general anesthesia in the office, an oral surgeon must have completed at least four months of hospital based anesthesia training. Qualified applicants will then undergo an in office evaluation by a state dental board appointed examiner. The examiner inspects all monitoring devices and emergency equipment and tests the doctor and the surgical staff on anesthesia related emergencies. If the examiner reports successful completion of the evaluation process, the state dental board will issue the doctor a license to perform general anesthesia. The license is renewable every two years if the doctor maintains the required amount of continuing education units related to anesthesia.
When it comes to anesthesia, our first priority is the patient’s comfort and safety. If you have any concerns regarding the type of anesthesia that will be administered during your oral surgery procedure, please do not hesitate to discuss your concerns with your doctor at the time of your consultation.
Intravenous Sedation (“Twilight Sedation”)
Our office offers our patients the option of Intravenous Sedation or to some it is referred to as “Twilight Sedation” for their dental treatment. Intravenous Sedation or “twilight sleep” helps you to be comfortable and calm when undergoing dental procedures. Intravenous sedation or “IV sedation” (twilight sedation) is designed to better enable you to undergo your dental procedures while you are very relaxed; it will enable you to tolerate as well as not remember those procedures that may be very uncomfortable for you. IV sedation will essentially help alleviate the anxiety associated with your treatment. You may not always be asleep but you will be comfortable, calm and relaxed, drifting in and out of sleep – a “twilight sleep”.
If you choose the option of intravenous sedation your IV sedation/anesthesia is administered and monitored by the doctor therefore eliminating the costly expense of having your treatment carried out in an operating room or same day surgical facility.
How is the IV sedation administered?
A thin needle will be introduced into a vein in your arm or hand. The needle will be attached to an intravenous tube through which medication will be given to help you relax and feel comfortable. Once again some patients may be asleep while others will slip in and out of sleep. Some patients with medical conditions and/or on specific drug regimens may only be lightly sedated and may not be fully asleep at all. The goal of IV sedation is to use as little medication as possible to get the treatment completed.