Anesthesia & Safety
Find Comfort During Your Oral Surgery Journey
Undergoing oral surgery can produce feelings of anxiety and stress for many patients. However, with the variety of sedation options available today, oral surgery procedures can be comfortable, safe, and effective.
The NJ Center for Oral Surgery, serving patients in Florham Park and Caldwell, NJ, offers several anesthetic options for optimal patient relaxation and comfort during surgery. We ensure all patients find their suitable sedation method for every procedure.
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry involves medication that induces a relaxed, tranquil state in patients undergoing dental procedures. The level of sedation can range from mild to deep, depending on the medication and the patient’s response. Sedation allows patients to remain conscious but in a more comfortable, stress-free mental state.
There are several reasons sedation helps with oral surgery:
- Reduces Anxiety and Fear: Many patients experience high levels of stress and apprehension regarding oral surgery procedures. Sedation provides a relaxed physical and mental state.
- Minimizes Pain: Sedative drugs, often combined with local anesthetics, block pain during and after procedures.
- Induces Amnesia: Some levels of sedation can create short-term memory loss regarding the procedure. Patients may have little to no memory of the surgery afterward.
- Reduces Patient Movement: Sedation minimizes reflexes and movements during oral surgery for safer procedures.
What Sedation Options Are Available for Oral Surgery?
Several forms of sedation can help patients feel comfortable and relaxed during oral surgery, depending on their needs and preferences:
- Local Anesthetic: This involves an injection to numb the treatment area. The patient remains awake and alert.
- Nitrous Oxide: Also known as laughing gas, nitrous oxide produces relaxation and reduces anxiety while keeping the patient awake. We often combine this option with a local anesthetic.
- Oral Sedation: Medications taken in pill form before surgery can induce a state of relaxation and drowsiness.
- IV Sedation: This produces a state of deep relaxation but not unconsciousness. These medications are administered through an IV line. The patient can still respond to verbal prompts.
- General Anesthesia: The patient is fully asleep and unconscious. Oral surgeons often use this sedation for complex surgical procedures like wisdom tooth extraction.
- Hospital-Based General Anesthesia: An anesthesiologist administers this medication in the hospital. It works best for patients undergoing extensive procedures such as face and jaw reconstruction and TMJ surgery or patients with medical conditions such as heart disease or lung disease who require general anesthesia.
Sedation Dentistry FAQs
Is dental sedation right for me?
Dental sedation helps put patient’s minds at ease during many kinds of dental appointments. From routine dental checkups and cleanings to dental implant surgery or tooth extraction, sedation dentistry has many options that can reduce severe dental anxiety and other symptoms, such as:
- Dental Anxiety or Phobia: Dental sedation is particularly effective for individuals who experience intense dental phobia or anxiety when visiting the dentist and sitting in the dental chair. It helps relax patients and makes them feel more at ease during procedures.
- Strong Gag Reflex: Some individuals have a hypersensitive gag reflex that can make dental procedures, especially those involving the back of the mouth, difficult. Sedation can help suppress the gag reflex, making procedures more manageable.
- Low Pain Tolerance: People with a low pain threshold might find dental procedures uncomfortable. Sedation can work in tandem with an anesthetic to enhance pain relief and minimize discomfort.
- Complex or Lengthy Procedures: Lengthy or complex dental procedures, such as oral surgeries, implant placements, or multiple extractions, can be physically and mentally taxing. Sedation keeps patients comfortable throughout.
- Inability to Sit Still: Some patients, including children or people with certain medical conditions, may struggle to sit still during a dental procedure. Sedation helps them stay calm and cooperative.
- Traumatic Dental Experiences: Individuals with a history of traumatic dental experiences might associate dental visits with distress. Sedation can help them overcome their fear.
- Sensitive Teeth or Gums: Patients with sensitive teeth or gums may experience discomfort during routine cleanings or procedures. Sedation can help manage their discomfort and make the experience more tolerable.
What is the Sedation Process?
Health Assessment
Before we begin your sedation treatment, we’ll take the time to get to know you better by reviewing your medical history, current health, and any medications you’re taking. This helps us choose the best sedation option for you and make sure it’s safe. If your sedation appointment is scheduled for a different day, we’ll provide you with easy-to-follow instructions to prepare.
Administration
Once we’ve selected the right sedation for you, you’ll either start your dental treatment or come back to the office for your appointment. If you choose oral conscious sedation, we’ll give you a pill or liquid to take at home before your visit. On the day of your dental appointment, we’ll make sure you’re comfortable and ready for your procedure.
Monitoring
Regardless of the sedation method, our dentist and team will continuously monitor your vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen levels, to ensure their safety throughout the procedure.
Procedure
Once you’re adequately sedated, the dentist can perform the necessary dental work. The patient remains comfortable and relaxed during this time.
Recovery
After the procedure is complete, you’ll be monitored in a recovery area until you’re alert and stable enough to be discharged. The effects of sedation will gradually wear off, but patients may feel drowsy for some time afterward.
Follow-Up
We’ll provide post-sedation instructions, and you’ll need someone to accompany you home as you may still feel the effects of sedation.
How can I best prepare for sedation?
Patients can take a few steps before their procedure to ensure sedation goes smoothly:
- Arrange Transportation: Patients need someone to drive them home after being sedated. Taking a taxi or public transportation alone isn’t advisable.
- Take Medications As Directed: Following instructions for prescription sedatives beforehand gets medication levels therapeutic for surgery time.
- Adjust Your Eating Schedule: It’s crucial to not eat for at least eight hours before being sedated to prevent aspiration. Small sips of water may be allowed up to two hours pre-sedation.
- Plan For Recovery Time: Arrange childcare, pet care, and time off work as needed. Recovery, supervision, and discharge after surgery may take several hours.
How Safe is Sedation?
Sedation is extremely safe when administered by licensed professionals and board-certified anesthesiologists. They’ll adhere to stringent protocols and meticulously monitor patients from the first dose until recovery.
Can I drive myself home after sedation?
No, you must arrange transportation after surgery. Sedatives impair reflexes, judgment, and coordination for 24 hours post-administration. Driving under the influence of these medications is dangerous and illegal.
How will I feel after sedation?
At first, you may feel drowsy, lightheaded, or nauseous. These feelings wear off after a few hours. The surgery site may be sore. Follow all post-op instructions closely. Within 24 hours, you should feel alert and back to normal.
Wil I have complete amnesia from the surgery?
Not necessarily. With minimal or moderate sedation, you may retain hazy memories. Deep sedation is more likely to induce amnesia. However, there’s no guarantee that patients will have zero recall.