Dental anxiety is experienced by millions of people. For some individuals, their level of fear and nervousness when even just considering or oral surgery of any kind actually keeps them from getting the treatment they need. Fortunately, Oral & Facial Surgeons of Arizona offers a full range of general anesthesia and sedation options that can help you experience a more comfortable and anxiety-free procedure. Our oral and maxillofacial surgeons, Dr. Michael W. Golding and Dr. J. Gregory Sabol, are both certified by the National Dental Board of Anesthesia and can provide patients with techniques ranging from mild anesthesia for more routine procedures to general anesthesia for more complex treatments.
- Benefits of General Anesthesia and IV Sedation
- What Is Nitrous Oxide?
- What Is IV Sedation?
- What Is General Anesthesia?
What Are the Benefits of General Anesthesia and IV Sedation?
In more invasive surgical procedures, sedation techniques or general anesthesia may be necessary to perform the treatment. In others, some form of sedation may be preferred in order to alleviate anxiety and minimize any potential discomfort as much as possible. In either case, anesthesia techniques offer patients numerous benefits, including:
- The treatment process can be experienced in a more relaxed and comfortable way.
- Stress and anxiety commonly associated with your treatment can be reduced or even eliminated. Fear of needles and dental instruments, discomfort with the sounds, smells, and sensations of instruments and materials, and general apprehension when it comes to any kind of treatment can be relieved.
- Oral health can be restored and maintained before untreated problems become worse.
Our practice offers a full range of options. During your initial consultation, we will review your medical history and talk about the most ideal options for your needs.
What Is Nitrous Oxide?
Nitrous oxide is a type of mild anesthesia that can help you feel more relaxed during the procedure. Sometimes referred to as “laughing gas,” nitrous oxide is delivered through a nasal mask and involves no needles or pills. This anesthetic technique often takes effect after about 20 seconds. While the nitrous oxide method is not designed to put patients into a state of deep sleep, some individuals may drift off into a light sleep as the treatment commences. The effects of nitrous oxide usually wear off very quickly, so most patients will not need a recovery period and are able to drive themselves home following treatment. While many individuals are good candidates for nitrous oxide, patients with some types of medical conditions may not be eligible for this technique. Our doctor will talk with you about your options and determine whether nitrous oxide is an ideal choice.
What Is IV Sedation?
IV (intravenous) sedation can be an ideal option for patients who suffer from more severe levels of anxiety and for those who are undergoing procedures that may take a bit longer than usual to complete. This technique involves an anti-anxiety medication that is delivered directly into the bloodstream via an intravenous needle. The medication can help patients obtain an extraordinarily calm state, and even enter into a light sleep. Most individuals who have IV sedation have little to no memory of the procedure taking place.
What Is General Anesthesia?
Oral & Facial Surgeons of Arizona has seven fully-equipped operatories that are completely accredited for the use of general anesthesia. This technique is often more ideal for patients who have extreme levels of anxiety and for those undergoing complex, significantly invasive surgery. General anesthesia typically utilizes a combination of IV sedation and inhaled gasses designed to put the patient into a state of complete unconsciousness. With general anesthesia, individuals should feel absolutely no pain, and will be unable to respond during treatment. Once the procedure is complete, patients who have been treated under general anesthesia should have no memory of the event taking place.
It is important to note that both IV sedation and general anesthesia techniques will require a period of recovery following treatment in order for the effects to wear off. It will be necessary for patients to arrange for a friend or loved one to take them to and from the office on the day of the appointment.
If you have any questions about nitrous oxide, IV sedation, or general anesthesia, please don’t hesitate to contact our practice today.