General Anesthesia
There are three main choices for anesthesia. Depending on your procedure and comfort level your oral surgeon will recommend one of the following:
- Local Anesthesia
- Nitrous Oxide
- General Anesthesia
What to expect.
Local Anesthesia
Local anesthesia is administered by injection at the site of treatment. A topical anesthetic will be placed first to numb the area to help alleviate any discomfort when the injection is given. You will be awake during this type of anesthesia, and though you may feel some pressure and movement, you should not experience any discomfort.
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide, or “laughing gas”, is the lightest form of sedation. The medication will be administered by breathing through a nasal mask. Nitrous is very short acting and is completely eliminated from the body within minutes after being turned off. This allows the patient the ability to leave the office without an escort because there is no hang-over effect. Although the effects vary from patient to patient, most patients feel that nitrous oxide “just takes the edge off”.
General Anesthesia
General anesthesia will be administered via an IV in the arm. IV sedation will put you in a safe, relaxed, and comfortable state throughout your surgery. It is the most effective at reducing awareness and anxiety for dental procedures. You will be asleep throughout the procedure and your medication intake, breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure will all be monitored by our surgical team. The medications administered will take approximately 24 hours to be completely eliminated therefore you will not be permitted to drive following the procedure. A responsible driver will need to arrive with you to your appointment and wait in our office until the surgery is finished so they can take you home.
For Patients Receiving General Anesthesia
- Do NOT eat or drink anything after midnight prior to surgery, not even water. (gum or mints are also not advised)
- 18 & Under – If you are less than 18 years of age, you MUST have a legal guardian accompany you on the day of surgery. That person must stay in the office during the procedure and escort you home after surgery.
- Your driver needs to arrive with you to the
appointment and remain in the waiting area
during your procedure. - Please wear loose-fitting clothing with sleeves that can be rolled up past the elbow, and comfortable walking shoes. Open-toed shoes are not advised, tennis shoes are recommended.
- Remove contact lenses before surgery. Please leave them at home.
- DO NOT wear lipstick, makeup, excessive
cologne/perfume, or nail polish on the day
of surgery. - Take any pre-medications that were prescribed to you.
- Leave all valuables at home. No cell phones
will be permitted in the surgical suite.
