Anesthesia is a means of pain and anxiety management used in a broad range of health procedures, including dentistry and Oral Surgery. General Anesthesia for dental work can help patients remain comfortable during complex or lengthy procedures while allowing the surgical team to perform treatment efficiently and safely.
Dental Anesthesia encompasses a spectrum of treatments, each of which offers different benefits to the patient. There are several types of Anesthesia, including:
- Local anesthetics: Small injections designed to numb the nerves in the gums and inside the teeth. Patients are awake and fully aware of their surroundings, but they feel little or no pain.
- Sedation: Sedation can be used in combination with local anesthetics to help calm patients before and during office treatments. Sedation may be in the form of a pre-visit anti-anxiety medication or nitrous oxide administered in the office.
- General Anesthesia: Administered via IV, this type of Anesthesia causes patients to fall into a deep sleep. General Anesthesia for Oral Surgery is often recommended for more complex procedures, multiple extractions, impacted Wisdom Teeth Removal, corrective jaw procedures, or situations where patient comfort and safety are a priority. General Anesthesia is reserved for highly invasive or long dental procedures.
At our practice, we provide general Anesthesia services as part of our commitment to patient-centered Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery care. During your consultation, your surgeon will evaluate your health history, treatment needs, and comfort level to determine the most appropriate Anesthesia option.
Did you know…
…that Lidocaine – the primary local anesthetic used in U.S. dentistry – has been used for dental pain management since the 1950s? But the history of general Anesthesia can be traced all the way back to the 1840s, when the first person was “put to sleep” for a health procedure.
It was Dr. William T. G. Morton – a dentist – who first attempted to use a general anesthetic to extract a tooth from a patient who was in a great deal of pain. The procedure was highly successful and began a revolution in medical and dental Anesthesia.
Today, advances in monitoring technology, medication delivery, and patient screening have made general Anesthesia in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery safer and more predictable than ever before. Many patients who are nervous about treatment or require extensive surgical care benefit from these modern Anesthesia techniques.
Contact us with additional questions.
FAQs
What type of anesthesia will I need for my dental procedure?
The type of Anesthesia you need depends on your procedure, medical history, and comfort level. Local Anesthesia is often used for routine treatment, while sedation may help patients with dental anxiety. For more complex procedures, such as Wisdom Teeth Removal or Dental Implant surgery, general Anesthesia may be recommended.
What should I expect under Anesthesia?
Your experience will depend on the Anesthesia used. Local Anesthesia numbs the treatment area while you remain awake. Sedation helps you feel relaxed and comfortable. With general Anesthesia, you will be asleep throughout the procedure and typically will not remember treatment. Your vital signs are carefully monitored throughout surgery.
Are there any special instructions I need to follow before or after being anesthetized?
Before general Anesthesia, you will likely need to avoid eating and drinking for a specified period. Your surgeon may also review your health history and medications. After surgery, you will need a responsible adult to drive you home. Following all post-operative instructions can help support a smooth recovery.
Is general Anesthesia safe for Oral Surgery?
General Anesthesia is widely used in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and is considered safe for most healthy patients when administered by properly trained professionals. Before treatment, your surgeon will review your medical history, medications, and any underlying health conditions to determine whether general Anesthesia is appropriate for your needs.
Who may benefit from general Anesthesia for dental work?
General Anesthesia may be recommended for patients undergoing lengthy or complex procedures, individuals with significant dental anxiety, patients with special healthcare needs, or those receiving multiple treatments during a single visit. Your oral surgeon will discuss all available options and recommend the approach that best aligns with your treatment goals and overall health.
How do I find dental general Anesthesia near me?
If you’re searching for a dental general Anesthesia near you, look for an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery practice that offers comprehensive Anesthesia services and has extensive training in surgical patient care. During a consultation, you can discuss your procedure, Anesthesia options, and any questions you may have about safety, comfort, and recovery. Those in Long Beach, California can visit Bixby Knolls Oral Surgery.