Is general anesthesia an option for my oral surgery procedure?

Do you have an upcoming oral surgery? If so, you probably have a few questions about what to expect. Some patients wonder about how they will feel during surgery – especially if anesthetic or sedative medication is used to ensure comfort and relaxation. As with any other type of medical specialty, medication is used to alleviate discomfort and promote relaxation so that patients remain still and at ease during treatment. There are different levels of sedation/anesthesia and they have different applications in oral surgery. For example, very complex treatments such as full-mouth reconstruction might require general anesthesia while tooth extractions may only require mild oral sedatives. Our team offers some insight on the medications used and their effects for treatment.

General Anesthesia

This form of sedation is reserved for complex and lengthy treatment. This type of anesthesia means that a patient is completely unconscious. When administering this type of surgical anesthesia, patients are monitored very closely. Vitals such as respiratory rate, heart rate, and blood pressure are consistently monitored so that our patients enjoy the safest treatment possible. Anesthesia is administered so that patients are not uncomfortable during procedures. Since powerful yet safe medications are used, our surgeon can operate with precision thus allowing for high-quality treatment.

Sedation Dentistry

Another option for improving comfort during oral healthcare treatment is sedation dentistry. Unlike anesthesia, sedation dentistry is milder and patients are normally semi-conscious or conscious during treatment. The mildest form of sedation dentistry is the administration of nitrous oxide gas through a nasal mask. Nitrous oxide relieves discomfort by producing a euphoric calm but its effects wear off very quickly. In addition to nitrous oxide, sedation dentistry can include the use of oral prescriptions normally from the benzodiazepine family of medication. These medications reduce feelings of stress and worry by blocking the chemical reaction that causes anxiety.

Whether a patient requires anesthesia or sedative medication, our team works diligently to provide top-notch care in the safest setting possible. To schedule an appointment with our oral surgeon, contact Charlottesville Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Center today.