Reviewed by Dr. Benjamin Foley, DDS

At Foley and Le Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons, our goal is to provide the best possible experience for individuals undergoing oral surgery procedures. 

One of the key factors in ensuring a positive experience is the use of anesthesia and sedation. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the various types of anesthesia and sedation used during oral surgery procedures, the benefits of each option, and how our expert oral surgeons use these methods to ensure the highest level of patient satisfaction.

Table of Contents

What is Oral Surgery?

Before we dive into the details of anesthesia, it’s important to understand what oral surgery is and why it may be necessary. Oral surgery refers to procedures performed by a trained oral surgeon on the mouth, jaws, teeth, and facial structures. These procedures can range from tooth extraction and dental implant placement to wisdom teeth removal and dental bone grafting

Oral surgery may be necessary for a variety of reasons, such as severe tooth decay, impacted wisdom teeth, facial pain or injury, dental infections, and more. Regardless of the reason, undergoing oral surgery can be a daunting experience for many individuals. That’s where anesthesia comes in – to ensure comfort and relaxation during these procedures.

To learn about the difference between oral surgery and maxillofacial surgery, read: Maxillofacial Surgery vs. Oral Surgery: What’s the Difference?

Key Takeaway

Foley & Le Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons use various anesthesia techniques during oral surgery, ensuring patient comfort and safety. Depending on your procedure and personal needs, they might use local anesthesia, nitrous oxide, IV moderate and deep sedation, or general anesthesia.

Types of Anesthesia Used in Oral Surgery

There are four main types of anesthesia used in oral surgery procedures: local anesthesia, nitrous oxide (laughing gas), IV sedation, and general anesthesia. Let’s take a closer look at each type and how they work.

Local Anesthesia

Local anesthesia is the most commonly used form of anesthesia in dentistry. It involves injecting medication directly into the area that needs to be treated, numbing the nerves and preventing pain signals from reaching the brain. Local anesthesia is typically used for minor procedures such as tooth extraction or filling a cavity.

Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is a mild sedative that is inhaled through a mask placed over the nose during a procedure

It produces feelings of relaxation and euphoria, making it an excellent option for patients with mild anxiety or apprehension about the treatment. The effects of nitrous oxide wear off quickly once the mask is removed, and patients can resume normal activities shortly after their procedure.

IV Moderate and Deep Sedation

IV moderate sedation and deep sedation are forms of anesthesia that involve administering medication directly into the bloodstream through an IV. These methods allow for a deeper level of sedation, making them ideal for longer or more complex procedures.

IV moderate sedation produces a state of conscious relaxation, while deep sedation causes patients to fall asleep during the procedure. Both options provide excellent pain control and can help alleviate anxiety and fear.

General Anesthesia

General anesthesia is the deepest level of sedation and involves placing the patient in an unconscious state during the procedure. This type of anesthesia is typically reserved for more complex surgical procedures, such as corrective jaw surgery or facial reconstruction. General anesthesia is administered and monitored by a certified anesthesiologist to ensure the patient’s safety and comfort.

The type of procedure, the patient’s medical history, and their level of anxiety will determine which type of anesthesia is most suitable. At Foley and Le, our skilled team of oral surgeons will carefully evaluate each patient to determine the best approach for their specific needs.

Benefits of Anesthesia in Oral Surgery

The use of anesthesia during oral surgery has numerous benefits for patients, including:

  • Pain relief: Local anesthesia, IV sedation, and general anesthesia all provide pain control during and after the procedure. Nitrous oxide provides anxiolysis but does not provide pain control.
  • Increased comfort: Anesthesia helps patients feel more comfortable and relaxed throughout the treatment, reducing fear and anxiety.
  • Safety: All forms of anesthesia used in oral surgery are carefully monitored to ensure patient safety.
  • Time-saving: The use of anesthesia allows for longer or more complex and invasive procedures to be completed efficiently without causing discomfort to the patient.

Why Choose Foley and Le Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons for Your Oral Surgery Needs?

At Foley and Le, we understand that undergoing oral surgery can be overwhelming. That’s why we prioritize your comfort and safety by using the most advanced anesthesia techniques tailored to your individual needs.

Dr. B. Foley, Dr. T. Le and Dr. D. Foley, along with our surgical team, ensure that each patient receives the highest level of care and a positive experience during their treatment.

Don’t let anxiety or fear stop you from receiving the oral surgery you need. If you are searching for an ‘oral surgeon in Boulder, CO’ or an ‘oral surgeon near me’, contact Foley and Le Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons. Call (303) 444-2255 to book an appointment or complete the online booking form. 

Trust us to provide exceptional care and make your oral surgery experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible. 

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