All oral surgical procedures require some level of dental anesthesia for optimum patient comfort. Through our extensive education, our team has been trained in all levels of dental anesthesia care. We maintain current certification in Basic Life Support (BLS), Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS). Our office is also regularly inspected by the Ohio Anesthesia Board to insure that current anesthesia safety standards are met.
Dental Anesthesia techniques include the following:
- Local Anesthesia – Minor oral surgery procedures may be performed comfortably using local anesthesia only. In this technique, injections are given to numb the surgical area. When patients receive local anesthesia only, they may drive to the office by themselves and may eat prior to the procedure. The numb feeling may last for several hours after the procedure.
- Nitrous Oxide Sedation – Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas) is used in the office for relaxation if necessary prior to the injection of local anesthesia.
- IV Sedation/General Anesthesia – Most oral surgery procedures are completed under IV sedation/general anesthesia. In this technique, a catheter is placed into the vein and medication is injected directly into the bloodstream. During the procedure, patients are unconscious but the body is still functioning on its own. Patients undergoing IV sedation/general anesthesia must be accompanied to the office by a responsible driver and must avoid eating or drinking for 6 hours prior to the procedure. Patients with diabetes or certain other medical conditions may have to follow special pre-anesthesia instructions. Please contact the office to schedule a consultation if you have a complex medical history.
- Intubated General Anesthesia – A few major oral surgical procedures are completed under intubated general anesthesia. During these procedures, a breathing tube is placed in the patient’s throat to maintain breathing throughout the surgery. These procedures are scheduled at a hospital or surgical care center. Most patients will go home the same day, but some may stay in the hospital overnight.
