There are three main types of sedation used in oral surgery; local anesthetic, IV sedation, and general anesthesia. It’s important to remember, with Bay Oral Surgery & Implant Center – all of our services are surgical in nature and will require some type of anesthesia, for that reason we think it’s important that you understand the different types of anesthesia commonly used in oral surgery. What they are, what they do and what type of dental anesthesia is right for your procedure.
Local
A local anesthetic is typically what you will find at your dentist office, having a tooth removed or having a cavity filled. It’s an injected drug that will temporarily numb a small area. While you will remain awake and aware during the procedure this type of anesthesia blocks the communication of your nerves to pain receptors in your brain, making you much more comfortable during a procedure.
Intravenous (IV) sedation
IV sedation is, as the name implies, typically taken through a vein. It works quickly to promote a sleep like state. Unlike General Anesthesia, you are still conscious with IV sedation and able to respond to visual signals. However, when you “wake up” after the procedure you will not remember any of it and will be quite groggy. Because of this, we require all patients to secure a safe ride home after any surgery and don’t recommend driving for at least 24 hours. IV sedation does not control pain so you can expect it to be used in combination with a local anesthetic.
General Anesthesia
General anesthesia uses a combination of IV and inhaled gasses to make a patient completely unconscious during a procedure in the hospital setting. Patients are unable to respond or feel any pain. This type of anesthesia is absolutely necessary for complex and traumatic dental surgeries, such as facial fractures, and is only administered in the hospital setting by an anesthesiologist.
Check out this page on our website for what to do and what not to do when preparing for sedation at Bay Oral Surgery & Implant Center. https://bayoralsurgery.com/sedation/ Contact us, if you have any questions or concerns about the sedation you will be receiving or the pre-op instructions.