Anesthesia

Oral surgeons are trained to administer all forms of anesthesia. This allows us to safely accommodate patients of all ages so they are comfortable during their surgical care. When you come in for your pre-surgery consultation with Dr. Thomas, you will discuss your anesthesia options and choose the right one for your procedure. Below are some brief descriptions of the different forms of anesthesia we provide:

Local Anesthesia

Local anesthesia is administered through injections that will produce a “numb” feeling in the area being operated on, however, you will still be able to feel pressure during surgery. You will be awake and recall the surgery, but there should be no significant discomfort. Have a light meal a few hours prior to surgery. For more extensive procedures you may wish to have someone drive you home. Plan to rest for a few hours after surgery.

Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide is also known as “laughing gas.” You will be relaxed and somewhat less aware of your surroundings, but will recall most of the surgical event. Nitrous oxide is used in conjunction with local anesthesia, but may also be used to supplement the anesthetic choices below. You may have a light meal four (4) hours prior to surgery.  Plan to rest for a few hours after surgery.

Oral Sedation

Oral sedation may be a supplement to local anesthesia and is medication taken by mouth to produce relaxation before and during your operation. Your doctor will instruct you to take the medication at the time directed before your surgery. You may have a light meal a few hours prior to surgery. It is not safe to drive after taking sedative drugs, and you MUST sign consents prior to taking this medication and have a responsible adult accompany you to the office, remain in the office during the procedure, and drive you home following your procedure. Plan to rest for the remainder of the day. Do not operate power tools, machinery, or make important decisions for 24 hours after surgery.

Intravenous Moderate Sedation

Intravenous moderate sedation medications are given through a vein in your arm or hand, which will cause total relaxation and, although you may not be completely unconscious, there will be very little recall (if any) of the events surrounding surgery. DO NOT eat or drink anything (including water) for 8 hours prior to surgery. However, it is important if you take any regular medications (high blood pressure, antibiotics, etc.) you discuss these with your doctor.  You may need to take these using only a small sip of water. You MUST have a responsible adult accompany you to the office, remain in the office during the procedure, and drive you home following your procedure. Plan to rest for several hours after surgery. Do not operate power tools, machinery or make important decisions for 24 hours after surgery.

General Anesthesia

General anesthesia medications are given through a vein which will result in total loss of consciousness, complete lack of recall of the event and usually a longer recovery time. General anesthesia has an excellent safety record as an office procedure, but for some patients anesthesia may need to be provided in a hospital setting. Do Not eat or drink anything (including water) for 8 hours prior to surgery. However, it is important if you take any regular medications (high blood pressure, antibiotics, etc.) you discuss these with your doctor.  You may need to take these using only a small sip of water. You MUST have a responsible adult accompany you to the office, remain in the office during the procedure, and drive you home following your procedure. Plan to rest for several hours after surgery. Do not operate power tools, machinery or make important decisions for 24 hours after surgery.