The Dental Implant & Oral Surgery Specialists of Iowa team wants you to feel as comfortable as possible for your procedure, and we always take the time to make sure you are at ease before your treatment begins. At your initial consultation, you and your oral surgeon will choose the best anesthesia option based on your general health, the type of procedure you are having, your level of apprehension about the procedure, and your preference. Our oral surgeons are highly experienced in administering several types of office-based anesthesia, and our staff members are trained in assisting with anesthesia, including IV anesthesia. We monitor our patients continuously during and after surgery.
Types of Anesthesia
Several methods of anesthesia are available at our practice:
- Local Anesthetic. A local anesthetic (e.g., lidocaine) is administered in the surgical area for all oral surgeries. Local anesthetic is often used along with the other methods of anesthesia for oral surgery procedures ranging from minor soft tissue grafts to tooth extractions. The patient remains totally conscious throughout the procedure.
- Nitrous Oxide Sedation. Nitrous oxide is a gas which is safely inhaled through a nasal breathing apparatus during your procedure. It has been used as a method of sedation in dentistry for many years. You will remain fully conscious, but in a relaxed state throughout your procedure. Nitrous oxide has a sedative and analgesic (pain-controlling) effect and is often used in conjunction with the other methods of anesthesia. It works very rapidly and there are no side effects.
- Office-Based IV Sedation. This type of anesthesia is administered through an intravenous line (IV). It is also known as Intravenous Sedation, Dental Intravenous Anesthesia, or Twilight Sedation/Sleep. IV Sedation helps you to remain comfortable and calm when undergoing dental procedures. Though you may not always be asleep, you will be drifting in and out of consciousness — hence the name twilight sleep.
- Office-Based General Anesthesia. During office-based general anesthesia, you will fall asleep and will be completely unaware of the procedure being performed. General anesthesia is available for all types of oral surgery and may be chosen for simple procedures depending on the patient’s level of anxiety. Most people who are having their wisdom teeth removed or are having a dental implant placed will choose general anesthesia. Your vital signs will be continuously monitored by your surgical team during your treatment. You will need a designated driver to take you home after your procedure if you receive IV anesthesia.
- Hospital or Surgery Center-Based General Anesthesia. For this type of anesthesia, you are admitted to a hospital or surgery center. If you are undergoing extensive procedures such as face and jaw reconstruction, or have medical conditions such as heart disease or lung disease, this type of anesthesia will likely be recommended for you.
When it comes to anesthesia, our priority is our patient’s comfort, well-being, and safety. If you have any concerns regarding the type of anesthesia that will be administered during your oral surgery procedure, please do not hesitate to discuss these concerns with your oral surgeon at the time of your consultation.
Anesthesia Options in Hiawatha, IA
Drs. Morgan, Morio, and Morio of Dental Implant & Oral Surgery Specialists of Iowa are highly trained and qualified to administer several types of anesthesia in the comfort of their office for your oral surgery procedure. For more information about your anesthesia options at our practice, or to schedule a consultation, please give us a call.