Dental Anesthesia
For many people there’s some anxiety surrounding oral surgery, particularly when anesthesia will be used. But oral surgery anesthesia is very safe when the procedure is planned and performed by a qualified and experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Oral surgery anesthesia can improve your comfort and will help to eliminate the pain associated with surgery.
There are three specific types of anesthesia used for oral surgery. Let’s look at each one and how it is used.
Local Anesthesia for Oral Surgery
If you’ve ever been treated for a cavity, it’s likely that you’ve had local anesthesia. It’s the medication that is used to numb the area around your tooth before the procedure. It’s injected at the area of treatment, into the soft tissue.
This is the ideal solution for routine treatments that can be done quickly in the dental office or the operating theatre. You’ll be fully conscious when you are administered local anesthesia, but you won’t feel any pain at the treatment site. You will still feel some pressure and other sensations but, overall, you’ll be quite comfortable.
In some cases, your surgeon will administer nitrous oxide along with local anesthesia. Known commonly as “laughing gas” this surgical gas is administered through a mask and can help you to relax if you are particularly nervous about a procedure.
You’ll feel some numbness for a few hours after receiving local anesthesia, but aside from this there are few side effects or complications. You’ll need to be careful not to bite too hard afterward, because you might not be able to feel the full force of your bite!
IV (Intravenous) Sedation
Anesthesia can be used for a stronger effect when administered intravenously. IV sedation is a type of anesthesia used for more complex surgeries where the pain is likely to be more significant. The medication will be delivered through a catheter and needle and the effects occur rapidly. Beyond managing pain, IV sedation will leave you with little memory of the procedure itself.
General Anesthesia
If you are having a particularly complex procedure, such as a wisdom tooth extraction, or the placement of dental implants, your surgeon will typically administer general anesthesia for the procedure. It works similarly to IV sedation, but the effect is much stronger.
General anesthesia will put you into a carefully managed unconscious state so that your surgeon can work without interruption or complication. It results in a much safer surgical environment, and you won’t feel or remember anything during the procedure.
The Consultation
Your surgeon will provide a detailed consultation to review your medical history, allergies, any medications you are taking, and other factors that could affect how you respond to oral surgery anesthesia. After the consultation, your options for anesthesia will be discussed in detail including how it will be administered and what you should expect to experience. Risks are few with carefully managed dental anesthesia and these will be discussed in depth based on your unique case.
The Anesthetic
If you have treatment with local anesthesia, a topical numbing medication will be applied before the injection. You’ll rest for a short time as the anesthesia begins to work, and your surgeon will check the area to ensure that it is numbed (with your feedback) before beginning the procedure.
If you are having a more complex treatment using IV sedation or general anesthesia, an IV catheter will be inserted into your hand or arm, depending on your preference and ease of access to a suitable vein. You will be able to talk to the surgical team and ask any questions you have up until the anesthetic begins to take effect.
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Patient Testimonials
“I recently had some oral surgery and just wanted to comment on how incredible each and every staff member was — from both the medical team as well as the staff at the front desk…. I was understandably nervous, but every person there made me feel calm, safe and relaxed…… thank you to each and every one of you!!! You’re the best!!!”
- – Karen
“I was out of Dr. Mascarenhas’s chair in approximately ten minutes, without pain.
I highly recommend him as one of the best Oral surgeons to consider.”
- – Derek
“My son had complex oral surgery and Dr. Omura’s job was outstanding, in fact my son was eating solids in 3 days.
The staff is extremely friendly, polite, caring and very helpful.
The assistant & nurse were great, compassionate and helped me get my 6’2 son into my car without hesitation.
Their Covid-19 safety protocols are impeccable. They take your temperature, questionnaire, give you a new mask. I felt so safe and at peace. Thank you for everything.”
- – Alejandra
“Highly recommend. The team is amazing. Little to no after-effects after my implant surgery.
I was nervous coming in, but the staff put at ease and the surgery went flawlessly!”
- – Beryl
“Dr. Mascarenhas performed a wisdom teeth extraction on all four of my wisdom teeth. The entire experience from start to finish to finish was nothing shy of wonderful. As a very nervous patient, all staff were kind, patient, and understanding. I would highly recommend this office to any patient looking for an oral surgeon.”
- – Graydon
“I came in for a consult and had my x-rays taken as part of it. I was very impressed with the technology and equipment Four Corners had. The assistant pulled up my x-rays immediately on the screen and Dr. Mascarenhas was able to walk me through my treatment plan right away. I am looking forward to my procedure next month, as the staff and surgeon were very welcoming and professional.”
- – Jeremy
“I came in to see Dr. Mascarenhas for 2 dental extractions. I was so pleased with how the procedure went and that my recovery was fast and seamless – I went back to work the next day. This was an exceptional experience for me as I had gotten another tooth extracted at a different office about 3 years ago, and it hurt me for 3-4 months after; Dr. Mascarenhas’ work was flawless! I’m very thankful for the staff’s experience and professionalism.”
- – Delford