Anesthesia

We offer several safe anesthesia options for our patients. The method of anesthesia used depends on the nature of the surgical procedure and the patient’s comfort.

Anesthesia Options

The following table outlines several anesthetic techniques, including how they work and when each may be appropriate for your procedure. 

  • Method
    How it Works
    When It’s Used
  • Local Anesthetic
    A local anesthetic (e.g. lidocaine) is administered in the area where the surgery is performed. The patient remains totally conscious throughout the procedure. Local anesthetic is used in conjunction with other methods of anesthesia in all oral surgery procedures.
    Applied during simple oral surgery procedures, such as minor soft tissue procedures and simple tooth extractions.
  • Nitrous Oxide Sedation with Local Anesthetic
    A mixture of nitrous oxide (also known as laughing gas) and oxygen is administered through a nasal breathing apparatus. Nitrous oxide has a sedative and analgesic (pain-controlling) effect. The patient remains conscious in a relaxed condition.
    Used for simple oral surgery procedures and more complex procedures like wisdom teeth removal and dental implant placement.
  • Office-Based General Anesthesia with Local Anesthetic
    Medications are administered through an intravenous line (I.V.). The patient falls asleep and is unaware of the procedure being performed. Supplemental oxygen is delivered through a nasal breathing apparatus and the patient’s vital signs are closely monitored.
    Can be used during several types of oral surgery. It is often employed for procedures like wisdom tooth removal or dental implant placement. Depending on the patient’s level of anxiety, a doctor may also recommend general anesthesia for simple procedures.
  • Hospital or Surgery Center-Based General Anesthesia
    A patient is admitted to a hospital or surgery center where anesthesia is administered by an anesthesiologist.
    Used for patients undergoing extensive procedures such as face and jaw reconstruction or TMJ surgery. Also indicated for patients with medical conditions like heart or lung disease.

To administer general anesthesia in an office, an oral surgeon complete at least three months of hospital-based anesthesia training. Qualified applicants then undergo an in-office evaluation by a state dental board-appointed examiner. The examiner observes a surgical procedure during which general anesthesia is administered to the patient. The examiner inspects all monitoring devices and emergency equipment and tests the doctor and surgical staff on anesthesia-related emergencies. If the oral surgeon successfully completes the evaluation process, the state dental board will issue the doctor a license to perform general anesthesia. 

Our first priority is our patients’ comfort and safety. If you have any concerns about the type of anesthesia that will be administered during your oral surgery procedure, please do not hesitate to discuss your concerns with Dr. Griffitts during your consultation.

Intravenous Sedation (“Twilight Sedation”)

Our office offers Intravenous Sedation (also known as Dental Intravenous Anesthesia or “Twilight Sedation”) for our patients’ dental treatment. Intravenous sedation, or “IV sedation,” helps you feel comfortable and calm during your dental procedure. It is designed to improve your experience during the surgery. While sedated, you may drift in and out of sleep (a “twilight sleep”). When you wake up, you may not have memories of your procedure. 

If you and your doctor decide on intravenous sedation for your procedure, the anesthesia will be administered and monitored by the doctor. This eliminates the costly expense of having your treatment performed in an operating room or same-day surgical facility.

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. Once the medication is administered, some patients may fall asleep, while others will slip in and out of sleep. Some patients with medical conditions and/or on specific drug regimens may be lightly sedated and may not sleep at all.

The goal of IV sedation is to use as little medication as possible to comfortably perform treatment. A constant “drip” is maintained via the intravenous tube. This technique is very safe. If needed, a solution can be administered to reverse the effects of the medications at any time.