Oral surgery can be intimidating for individuals of any age. In order to optimize your comfort, it is essential to obtain all pertinent information regarding sedative options. Whether you are scheduled for your first oral or have previously undergone surgery, you may have several questions about anesthesia to ask your oral surgeon at Fairfield, ME dental office.

Here are a few of the most frequently asked queries concerning sedation dentistry:

What Anesthesia Choices Are There?

This is an essential question for your oral surgeon, as the answer will influence your comfort level during and after oral surgery. Your surgeon will discuss the various levels of anesthesia accessible and what should be used for your procedure, including local anesthesia, to alleviate any anxiety or discomfort. As a numbing agent, local anesthesia is utilized.

Conscious sedation is an efficient anti-anxiety pill that is taken orally and induces feelings of calmness. If you choose conscious sedation, you will require a ride home because you may feel groggy for up to two hours following your procedure. IV sedation is another anesthesia choice that is administered intravenously and enables you to sleep during the procedure; it is typically used for extensive dental procedures or patients with high dental anxiety.

You are Licensed to Administer Anesthesia.

Because the oral surgeon is board-certified by the ABOMS or American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, you can rest assured that they have extensive training and experience administering anesthesia.

How Should I Prepare for General Anesthesia Oral Surgery?

Before undergoing general anesthesia, you must abstain from eating and drinking except water. Avoid consuming solid or semi-solid foods eight hours before surgery. Two hours prior to surgery, you should not consume any liquids. However, you should confirm with your oral surgeon how to prepare for surgery.

Should I Make Arrangements for a Ride to My Appointment?

The side effects of laughing gas or nitrous oxide wear off rapidly, allowing patients to drive themselves home after treatment. However, you cannot drive yourself home if you received oral sedation, general anesthesia, or intravenous sedation during surgery. Therefore, you must arrange transportation to and from your oral surgery in advance. Ask your oral surgeon what kind of sedation is going to be administered during the procedure to determine if you need to arrange transportation in advance.

Is Your Dental Team Prepared for Anesthesia Emergencies?

Oral surgeons operate in teams. Staff members include certified surgical assistants, registered nurses, and support personnel. Emergencies involving anesthesia are uncommon, but the surgical team will collaborate to address any unforeseen circumstances. In addition, their offices are outfitted with all the necessary emergency apparatus.