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.
Simple oral surgery procedures such as minor soft tissue procedures and simple tooth extractions.
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
A mixture of nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and oxygen is administered through a nasal breathing apparatus. The patient remains conscious in a relaxed condition.
Simple oral surgery procedures to more involved procedures such as removal of wisdom teeth and placement of dental implants.
Office Based Anesthesia
Medications are administered through an intravenous line (I.V.). The patient falls asleep and is completely unaware of the procedure being performed. Medications most commonly used are Fentanyl, Midazolam, Ketamine and/or Propofol. Supplemental oxygen is delivered through a nasal breathing apparatus and the patient's vital signs are closely monitored.
General anesthesia is available for all types of oral surgery. A patient may choose I.V. anesthesia for simple procedures depending on their level of anxiety. Most people having their wisdom teeth removed choose I.V. anesthesia. I.V. anesthesia may also be necessary if local anesthesia fails to anesthetize the surgical site which often occurs in the presence of infection.
Hospital or Surgery Center Based 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. Also indicated for patients with medical conditions such as heart disease or lung disease who require general anesthesia.
