Several methods of anesthesia are available. The method of anesthesia that is chosen for or by a patient depends upon the nature of the surgical procedure and the patient’s level of apprehension.

LOCAL ANESTHESIA

The patient remains totally conscious throughout the procedure. A local anesthetic (e.g. lidocaine) is administered in the area where the surgery is to be performed. Local anesthetic is also used in conjunction with other methods of anesthesia in all oral surgery procedures.

INTRAVENOUS SEDATION

Our office offers our patients the option of Intravenous Sedation or General Anesthesia for their dental treatment. Intravenous Sedation helps you to be comfortable and calm when undergoing dental procedures. Intravenous sedation of “IV sedation” is designed to better enable you to undergo your dental procedures while you are very relaxed; it will enable you to tolerate as well as not remember those procedures that may be very uncomfortable for you. IV sedation will essentially help alleviate the anxiety associated with your treatment.

HOW IS THE IV SEDATION ADMINISTERED?

A thin needle will be introduced into a vein in your arm or hand. The needle will be attached to an intravenous tube through which medication will be given to help you relax and feel comfortable and fall asleep. At all times you will be monitored with modern anesthesia machines that monitor oxygen saturation, ECG (Electro-Cardiogram), continuous blood pressure, pulse, and end tidal Carbon Dioxide concentration. This enables us to assess your level of consciousness and your overall response to the anesthetic. With close attention to the monitors, the dosage of anesthetic can be carefully adjusted to the specific needs of each patient.

NITROUS OXIDE (LAUGHING GAS)

Nitrous Oxide is a sweet smelling, non irritating, colorless gas which you can breathe. Nitrous Oxide has been the primary means of sedation in dentistry for many years. Nitrous Oxide is safe; the patient receives 50-70% oxygen with no less than 30% Nitrous Oxide. Patients are able to breathe on their own and remain in control of all bodily functions. The patient may experience mild amnesia and may fall asleep not remembering all of what happened during their appointment.