Somerset Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Group doctors are certified to administer local and general anesthesia within our offices. We have decades of experience providing care and comfort to Somerset County and Hunterdon County patients. The range of anesthetic options we use distinguishes our work from traditional sedation dentistry and allows a high degree of precision in treatment.

The specialists in our practice are credentialed by the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS). As part of the certification, we continually undergo a rigorous evaluation of our anesthetic practices and participate in ongoing professional development to hone these skills. Our practice meets AAOMS requirements and holds a general anesthesia permit from the state of New Jersey.

Anesthesia Compared to Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry is not always an ideal solution for complex procedures.

Somerset Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Group doctors offer comprehensive anesthesia options for comfort and pain management. The doctor who will provide your care will have participated in years of extensive training to become certified in a range of anesthetic techniques.

Licensed doctors closely monitor our patients in our Somerville, Hillsborough, and Lebanon offices to ensure their well-being. When you visit us for an initial consultation, we will be happy to discuss our anesthetic protocols and develop a treatment plan that fits your needs.

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Anesthesia Options

Below are the different types of anesthesia available through our practice.

Local anesthesia. This form of anesthetic will numb the treatment site. After receiving local anesthesia, you may feel a little pressure during the procedure, but you should experience no pain. Some common trade names for local anesthesia are Lidocaine or Marcaine.

Nitrous oxide (laughing gas). To receive nitrous oxide, you will wear a special mask that will allow you to breathe in the medicine, making you feel relaxed, floaty, and tingly. Our doctors use nitrous oxide in combination with local anesthesia to keep patients both calm and comfortable during procedures such as placing dental implants.

General anesthesia. Your doctor will administer this form of anesthetic intravenously (IV). The medication will make you feel completely relaxed and unaware of the surgery. Our doctors typically use general anesthesia in combination with local anesthesia and nitrous oxide. It is an option for more complex surgeries such as wisdom teeth extraction. IV anesthesia allows for a high degree of control in its administration.

Our doctors work with Somerset County and Hunterdon County patients to determine the right anesthesia plan based on their surgery, individual comfort level, and personal preference. We can go over each of these options with you as part of your initial consultation.

Anesthesia With Our Practice

Somerset Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Group doctors perform most oral surgery procedures in our offices. Patients only need to visit one location for their consultation, treatment, and post-procedure appointments. This allows those in our care to become familiar with our doctors, staff, and facility, enabling them to feel more at ease throughout their experience.

When you visit us to discuss treatment, your doctor will review your health history and the medications you may be taking. Our staff will also take the time to answer any questions you may have about anesthesia, insurance, and associated costs. Transparency and clarity help patients make the best decisions for their care.

We provide several guidelines to our Somerset County and Hunterdon County patients before procedures. If you will be receiving general anesthesia, we may advise the following:

  • Do not have anything to eat or drink (including water) for six hours prior to your appointment.
  • Do not smoke for at least 12 hours before surgery. Ideally, cut down or stop smoking as soon as possible prior to the day of your procedure.
  • Have a responsible adult accompany you to the office, remain in the office during the procedure, and drive you home.
  • Do not drive a vehicle or operate any machinery for 24 hours following general anesthesia.
  • Wear low-heeled shoes and loose-fitting clothing with sleeves that can be rolled up past the elbow. Also, remove contact lenses, jewelry, and dentures at the time of surgery.
  • Check with our doctors for instructions before your surgical date if you take routine oral medications.

What to Expect After Anesthesia

Following your treatment in Somerset County or Hunterdon County, you will be accompanied to a private recovery room. Your doctor and our staff will continue to monitor you closely to ensure your safety and comfort.

Once you have recovered from your anesthesia, we will talk with you about post-operative care and answer any questions that you may have. If you have received general anesthesia, you can expect to wake up feeling a little groggy. You will need to have an adult drive you home, and you may want to plan some downtime for the rest of the day.

Care with our practice doesn’t end at our doors. We will continue to be available and accessible to you following your procedure. If you have any concerns during your recovery, we encourage you to get in touch with us.

Our practice offers comprehensive options for anesthesia administered by certified oral surgeons. Learn more about the advantages of this approach over sedation dentistry. Contact us in Somerset County or Hunterdon County.