It is normal for many patients to feel anxious prior to a surgical procedure, and our surgical staff wants to ensure you feel as comfortable as possible for your procedure. Therefore, we offer many options for sedation when you undergo any oral surgical procedure at Greater Charlotte Oral & Facial Surgery. The methods used often depend on the preference of the patient and the nature of the surgical procedure.
Anesthesia Options
Local Anesthesia
A local anesthetic is administered in the area that the surgery is performed and can be used in conjunction with other anesthetic options, such as nitrous oxide.
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
Nitrous oxide sedation is also known as “laughing gas” and is commonly utilized when patients experience mild to severe anxiety prior to the procedure. A mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen is administered through a nasal breathing apparatus.
Intravenous (IV) Sedation
IV sedation is administered through an intravenous line and allows the patient to fall completely asleep throughout the procedure. This option is commonly used in semi-invasive surgical procedures, such as bone grafting, and can also be utilized when patients experience a high level of anxiety.
Hospital or Surgery Center-Based General Anesthesia
If you undergo an extensive procedure, such as facial trauma surgery or jaw reconstruction, you may undergo general anesthesia in a hospital or surgery center, which is administered by an anesthesiologist.
Is My Oral Surgeon Qualified to Administer Anesthesia?
Yes! All oral surgeons must undergo extensive training and gain valuable experience in the medical field administering anesthesia, including the administration of operating room anesthesia in hospitals, as well as in-office anesthesia in specialty facilities, before they go into oral surgery practice. Unlike the majority of general dentists, they have received the highest level of licensure for dental practitioners to administer anesthesia, which allows them to perform deep sleep or general anesthesia.
