05 Feb Conscious Sedation vs. General Anesthesia: What to Expect During Your Oral Surgery
While you are preparing for oral surgery, it’s important to understand your sedation options and how they help you feel more confident and relaxed. Knowing the differences between conscious sedation for oral surgery in Crozet and general anesthesia is an essential conversation to have with your oral surgeon. This guide breaks down these differences, what each feels like, and how to choose the right option for your procedure.
What Is Conscious Sedation?
Conscious sedation is a commonly used method in sedation dentistry in Crozet, VA, in which you remain awake and responsive. Even though you are not unconscious, you may experience deep relaxation and feel disconnected from the procedure. Dentists commonly use conscious sedation for tooth extractions, wisdom tooth removal, dental implant placement, and for patients with mild to moderate anxiety.
What Does Conscious Sedation Feel Like?
Most patients describe a calmness, even if they suffer from dental anxiety, decreased awareness of sounds or sensations, little or no recollection of the procedure afterward, and a dreamy, floating feeling. Many people remain awake but are so relaxed that the procedure seems to pass quickly.
What Is General Anesthesia?
This type of anesthesia renders the patient completely unconscious. Under general anesthesia, you will be unable to respond to questions or follow instructions or have any awareness or recollection of the procedure. General anesthesia requires precise monitoring of breathing and vital signs. Usually, oral surgeons use general anesthesia for impacted wisdom teeth, complex procedures, patients with high anxiety issues, or specific medical problems.
How to Choose Between Conscious Sedation and General Anesthesia
If you want a faster recovery, an anxiety-free oral surgery experience, to remain awake yet in a relaxed state, and minimal recall of the procedure, then conscious sedation checks those boxes.
Choose general anesthesia if you’re looking for complete unconsciousness during surgery and no memory of any of the procedure, are considering an intricate dental procedure, or suffer from severe dental anxiety.
You and your oral surgeon will discuss these options to help you make the right decision.
Sedation dentistry in Crozet, VA, is a safe option for most patients, and your oral surgery team will carefully evaluate your level of anxiety, if any, medications, allergies, and general health history to determine which form of sedation is the right method for your procedure. To discuss your sedation options in-depth, give us a call today to schedule your surgical consultation.