Office Based Anesthesia Q & A

What is office-based anesthesia?

Anesthesia is a treatment that prevents pain. Many forms of anesthesia also cause a sense of euphoria that can distract you during a surgical procedure, biopsy, or invasive test. You may feel sleepy or out of it, allowing you to relax during your treatment. 

 

Office-based anesthesia is particularly helpful for patients with dental anxiety. If you frequently feel nervous or on edge when visiting the dentist, anesthetics help you get the care you need without pain or anxiety.

What are the different types of office-based anesthesia?

 

The two most common types of office-based anesthesia that Associated Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons offers are:

Nitrous oxide

 

Nitrous oxide, commonly called laughing gas, is a colorless gas that you inhale along with oxygen. It’s the mildest and most temporary form of sedation. Unlike most other forms of anesthesia, nitrous oxide’s effects develop right away and resolve just as quickly. It’s the only type of anesthetic you can take and drive yourself home afterward.

Intravenous (IV) sedation

 

IV sedation, also called twilight sleep, injects sedative medications directly into your bloodstream. While you may be conscious during IV sedation, most individuals remain in a semi-awake state. A lengthy procedure may feel like it takes only a few minutes because you’re not completely conscious.

 

After IV sedation, it’s important to coordinate a ride home. You may also need someone to monitor you while the medication wears off.

Why might I need office-based anesthesia?

 

The team at Associated Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons typically recommends office-based anesthesia to perform:

Impacted teeth removal

 

Impacted teeth fail to erupt through the gumline. To remove or reposition these teeth, the team must make incisions in your gums. Office-based anesthesia ensures you remain comfortable during your procedure.

Dental implant surgery

 

Dental implants are titanium or zirconia replacement tooth roots. Before implanting the devices into your jawbone, the team administers IV anesthesia to prevent pain and keep you relaxed.

Jaw surgery

 

Whether you have a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder or bite problems, the team can administer an anesthetic before your procedure.

Bone grafting

 

Bone grafting techniques, such as sinus lifts, are surgical procedures that typically require IV sedation.

 

Call Associated Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons today or book an appointment online to learn more about office-based anesthesia..