We offer a full range of Anesthesia and Sedation options to ensure your surgical experience is as relaxed and pain-free as possible. Whether you’re undergoing a simple Tooth Extraction or a more complex jaw procedure, our oral surgeons will recommend the best form of Anesthesia based on your medical history, anxiety level, and treatment needs.
Overview
Understanding Anesthesia
Anesthesia is the controlled use of medication to block pain, reduce awareness, and help you stay comfortable during dental and surgical procedures. It can range from local numbing to full Sedation, depending on the complexity of your treatment and your personal comfort level.
Your safety is our highest priority. Our oral surgeons have specialized training in Anesthesia administration and emergency management, ensuring every procedure is performed with precision, care, and constant monitoring. We follow strict state and national safety protocols and use advanced equipment to track your vital signs throughout your procedure.
Types of Anesthesia that we offer:
We personalize your Anesthesia plan based on your procedure and preferences.
Local Anesthesia: Used for minor procedures such as simple extractions or soft tissue work, Local Anesthesia numbs the specific surgical site while you remain fully awake and alert. There is no impact on your awareness, and you can return to normal activity shortly afterward.
Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas): Nitrous Oxide provides mild Sedation and relaxation during your procedure. It’s inhaled through a small nose mask and wears off quickly after the treatment is complete, allowing you to drive yourself home in most cases.
IV Sedation (moderate to deep Sedation): For patients undergoing more involved surgeries—or those who experience dental anxiety—IV Sedation offers a deeper level of relaxation. You will remain conscious but deeply relaxed, and may not remember much of the procedure. This is one of the most common options for procedures such as Wisdom Teeth Removal or Dental Implants.
General Anesthesia: Used for complex or extensive procedures, General Anesthesia allows you to sleep through the surgery completely. It is typically administered in a hospital or accredited surgical center. You will be monitored continuously by trained professionals to ensure your safety from start to finish.
Exparel (Liposomal Bupivacaine)
Exparel is a long-acting local anesthetic that provides extended pain relief following Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery. Unlike traditional local anesthetics that wear off within a few hours, Exparel is designed to release slowly over time, offering up to 72-96 hours of continuous pain control at the surgical site.
Exparel is administered at the time of your procedure and works by numbing the area directly, reducing your reliance on opioid pain medications during recovery. This makes it a particularly effective option for patients undergoing more involved procedures such as Wisdom Teeth Removal, Dental Implants, Bone Grafting, or Orthognathic Surgery.
Your surgeon will determine whether Exparel is appropriate for your treatment plan based on the nature of your procedure and your individual needs.
From prep to recovery, you’re in good hands.
Before your procedure
Consultation & planning
Your comfort starts with preparation. During your consultation, we'll carefully review your medical history, any current medications, and past experiences with Anesthesia. Pre-operative instructions may include:
- Fasting guidelines: No eating or drinking for a specific period before surgery (typically 6–8 hours) if IV or General Anesthesia is planned.
- Medication adjustments: Instructions on which medications to continue, pause, or adjust before your procedure.
- Transportation plans: You'll need a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you for a few hours if receiving IV Sedation or General Anesthesia.
- Clothing and comfort: Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing with short sleeves if receiving IV Sedation for easier access.
During your procedure
On the day of surgery, your surgical team will ensure you're relaxed and fully monitored throughout the procedure. Depending on your Anesthesia type:
- Local Anesthesia: Will numb only the treatment area; you'll remain awake and aware.
- Nitrous Oxide: Will provide mild relaxation and wear off quickly after the procedure.
- IV Sedation: Will keep you in a semi-conscious, dreamlike state — many patients have little or no memory of the procedure.
- General Anesthesia: Allows you to sleep fully through the procedure, with constant monitoring throughout.
After your procedure
Recovery
- Local Anesthesia: Numbness may last for a few hours; you'll be able to resume normal activities quickly.
- Nitrous Oxide: Wears off within minutes; you may return to work or school the same day.
- IV Sedation or General Anesthesia: You'll need someone to drive you home and stay with you for the rest of the day. Drowsiness, minor nausea, or grogginess are common but temporary.
Whether you’re receiving a simple Local Anesthetic or undergoing General Anesthesia, you can trust that you’re in expert hands.
Your questions, answered.
Advanced Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery is here to address all your questions and concerns regarding Anesthesia and Sedation.
Will I feel anything during the procedure?
No. Anesthesia is designed to block pain and keep you comfortable. With Local Anesthesia, you may feel pressure or movement but not pain. With IV Sedation or General Anesthesia, you'll be in a deeply relaxed or fully asleep state.
What's the difference between IV Sedation and General Anesthesia?
IV Sedation keeps you relaxed and semi-conscious — you'll likely remember very little of the procedure. General Anesthesia puts you completely to sleep and is used for more complex surgeries.
Are there any side effects or risks?
Mild side effects like grogginess, dry mouth, or nausea are common and temporary. Serious complications are rare. We'll review your medical history and explain any potential risks in advance.
Is Anesthesia safe?
Yes. When administered by trained professionals, Anesthesia is very safe. Our oral surgeon has advanced hospital-based training in Anesthesia and continuously monitors your vital signs throughout the procedure.
Will I need someone to drive me home?
Yes, if you receive IV Sedation or General Anesthesia. A responsible adult must drive you home and stay with you after the procedure.
Ready for exceptional oral care?
Take the first step towards a healthier, more confident smile. Our team is here to answer your questions and guide you through a comfortable and effective treatment journey.
