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.