Anesthesia is a part of most, if not all, oral surgery procedures. Learn more about the different types you’ll find in an oral surgery clinic.
From simple oral surgery procedures such as wisdom teeth removal and teeth extractions to more complicated procedures like bone grafting and cleft palate surgery, anesthesia is used. Not only does it bring comfort and relaxation to the patient, but dulls the pain and suppresses the nerves effortlessly.
At the Alaska Center For Oral + Facial Surgery, our oral surgeons are not only skillfully trained in craniofacial surgery but experienced in anesthesia for complete patient care. Discover common types of anesthesia in today’s post.
Oral Surgery Anesthesia Types And Uses
You may be familiar with “laughing gas” and the drugs that spark YouTube hilarity but are many kinds of anesthesia you’ll encounter at an oral surgery clinic.
General Anesthesia
General anesthesia is provided to those who are undergoing major and extensive oral surgery that includes procedures such as jaw and facial reconstruction, TMJ, or sleep apnea treatments.
With most general anesthesia, an anesthesiologist is required, but at AOFS Dr. Nordstrom holds a general anesthesia permit which allows him to both perform the oral surgery and administer the general anesthesia to patients.
This is just one of the ways AOFS continues to offer affordable treatments that are innovative and have amazing outcomes for patients — most services are done in-house and on-site.
Local Anesthesia
A local anesthetic is one in which allows you to stay awake and alert during a procedure. This type of anesthesia — such as lidocaine — is injected into the surgery site and can be used alongside and paired with other forms of anesthesia.
This is typically used for minor teeth extractions and to further reduce pain and discomfort.
Nitrous Oxide
Similar to a local anesthetic, nitrous oxide (laughing gas) can be used for simple procedures and combined with other anesthesias. It accompanies oral surgery procedures such as dental implant insertion and wisdom teeth removal.
This gas is delivered via a mask and inhalation and promotes a calming, sedative, and relaxing effect for the patient.
Intravenous Anesthesia
Most oral surgery procedures incorporate an IV anesthesia because it blocks a majority of the pain. Like many of the other anesthesia options, an IV anesthetic can be paired with other sedatives for a positive, painless oral surgery procedure.
Why does quality anesthesia matter?
Because of the nature of oral surgery procedures, many have had negative experiences and are fearful and anxious. This impacts how you’re going to feel going into the procedure and we want to be dental procedures moving forward with us, a pleasant postive experience — this is why the right pairing of anesthesias tailored to the patient is extremely important and relevant.
When it comes to our patient care, the oral and maxillofacial surgeons at AOFS are trained in all aspects of anesthesia application. After dental school, they join a hospital-based surgical residency program, in general surgery, anesthesia, and other specialties.
When you partner with us, know you’re receiving the leading oral surgical care that includes anesthesia from world-renown oral surgeons.
For more information about our oral surgery clinic or to learn more about what anesthetic may be right for you, reach out and schedule a consultation today!