Breaking Down the Different Types of Anesthesia
At some point during our life, we may need to have some form of oral surgery. No matter what the procedure is there is always going to be some level of pain no matter how skilled the surgeon is. Thankfully, the options available to reduce pain as well as fear and anxiety are safer and more effective than ever before. The expert oral surgeons at Bay Area OSM have a wide range of anesthesia options to suit your specific needs so that you can be comfortable and relaxed throughout your treatment.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF ANESTHESIA?
Local anesthesia
This type of anesthesia is the mildest option. Perhaps you have already received this type of anesthesia as it’s usually administered when filling tooth cavities. A numbing agent is applied to the area followed by an injection into the gums and teeth. The anesthetic works by blocking pain signals to your brain allowing the surgeon to work in the area without you feeling anything. This type of medicine wears off within a couple of hours.
Conscious sedation
This option is administered through a pill that is taken just before your surgical procedure. It makes you very relaxed, putting you into a twilight state. The surgeons will combine this with an anesthetic so that you will feel relaxed with no pain.
Nitrous oxide
Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas is another anesthetic that causes you to relax and dispel any fears that you might have. The gas is inhaled through a mask that is placed over your nose during the treatment. The gas also works by dulling pain receptors in the brain. The effects of the gas will soon wear off after you stop inhaling the gas.
Intravenous (IV) sedation
This anesthetic is applied directly into your bloodstream. It puts you in a semiconscious state, allowing you still to respond to the surgeon but making it unlikely that you will remember the procedure. You will also need a local anesthetic as IV sedation does not block pain.
General anesthesia
General anesthetic is administered through oral and IV medication. You will not be conscious during your surgery and therefore feel no pain and have no memory of your procedure.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF ANESTHESIA?
You are guaranteed a comfortable experience during your surgery at Bay Area OSM when using anesthesia. It’s estimated that nearly 75% of Americans have some form of dental fear or phobia. If you have any dental-related anxiety, the anesthetic treatments can also help to reduce the stress that a visit to the surgeon can bring. At Bay Area OMS, the surgeons understand your fear and will guide you through the best options so that those fears will fade away.
If you choose either general anesthesia, IV sedation or conscious sedation then you will need someone to drive you to and from your appointments. The medication’s effects can last for a few hours after your surgery leaving you feeling groggy, tired and unable to operate heavy machinery, including cars.
HOW DO I KNOW WHICH TYPE OF ANESTHESIA IS RIGHT FOR ME?
You can be confident of the expert advice that you will receive at Bay Area OSM. They will guide you through the options so that you can make the best choice to suit you.
If you need an experienced oral surgeon, contact Bay Area OSM and schedule a consultation today.
