Anesthesia Options for Oral Surgery

Team Blog, Oral Surgery

When you realize you need your astuteness teeth evacuated, you may feel frightful or on edge. A ton of inquiries may emerge, including “Will I feel any torment and what should be possible to control my uneasiness and nervousness?”, so here are a couple of things you should think about your alternatives in neighborhood anesthesia and sedation:

Local Anesthesia
As the name implies, local anesthesia is an anesthetic given locally so when used alone it will completely eliminate pain but the patients will still feel some pressure. Other methods of sedation can be used in conjunction with local anesthetics to provide more comfort, eliminate the feeling of pressure and eliminate anxiety.

Oral Medications
There are medications that can be taken orally either the night prior to the surgery or an hour before the appointment time or both. These medications, like Ativan or Valium, work by eliminating anxiety and calming the patient down. They have side effects that include tiredness, drowsiness, and dizziness which require the patient to have someone accompany them to the appointment. The patient cannot drive and should not walk out alone after taking these medications.

Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous Oxide, also known as laughing gas, is a mild anesthesia option that is very effective in relieving anxiety. Because it is a very mild anesthetic, it needs to be used with a local anesthetic. Together, they offer a great deal of relaxation for patient comfort.

Intravenous Sedation
Intravenous sedation or IV Sedation is also called twilight or conscious sedation. It involves intravenous medications through a port placed in the arm. Patients are usually conscious of this sedation but have no memory of the procedure once the medication has been cleared from the system. Local anesthesia is given as well to ensure a painless experience during surgery. Driving needs to be avoided for 24 hours after the procedure and patients need to be accompanied by a responsible driver.

Do not hesitate to ask your oral surgeon about all types of anesthesia and sedation available. During your consultation, the doctor will be more than happy to make you feel safe and will explain to you what would be the best option or combination of options for you and your particular circumstances.

For more information on dental issues and dental health, head on to Prestige Oral Surgery and call 732-297-7000 to schedule a free consultation!