Anxiety and fear are very common emotions to experience when one is about to undergo a surgical procedure. Dr. Cherry has undergone formal anesthesia training in a hospital setting and has the experience and knowledge to administer anesthesia in our office while delivering an outstanding level of care, along with safe, reliable results.
What Types of Anesthesia Are There?
Anesthesia can be administered locally, intravenously, or by inhalation and consists of the administration of medication, the effects of which are listed below:
Local Anesthesia
The surgical area will be numbed by injection of anesthetizing medication. You may still experience feelings of pressure, however, the sensations of pain and discomfort are blocked.
Nitrous Oxide
This safe, commonly used gas is administered via a mask placed over your nose. Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, creates feelings of warmth and safety, helping you relax. The gas is absorbed by the body to produce a calming sensation. The effects of nitrous diminish quickly following the removal of the mask. You’ll also receive local anesthetic after you begin breathing the nitrous oxide and before your procedure begins. Depending on the procedure you have performed, you may be able to drive and resume typical activities following your visit utilizing nitrous oxide.
IV Sedation/General Anesthesia
IV sedation can give you the peace of mind you need to face your oral surgery procedures with confidence. You’ll receive sedating medication delivered directly into your bloodstream via an IV. As you enter a “twilight sleep,” you’ll experience feelings of calm and relaxation.
We’ll monitor you throughout your IV sedation procedure. In addition to sedating medications, the doctor will administer medications through the IV to reduce swelling and prevent nausea. We’ll administer local anesthetic to keep the surgical area numb following your procedure.
General anesthesia involves the use of sedating medications that eliminate all feelings of pain and anxiety, allowing you to rest in a state of deep relaxation in which you are unaware of the surgical procedure being performed. You’ll rest comfortably during your surgery and emerge gradually from the effects of general anesthesia. We’ll monitor you throughout your general anesthesia procedure. A friend or family member will need to drive you home and stay with you. You won’t be able to operate a vehicle or other machinery for approximately 24 hours following your procedure.
Expect to recover at home for at least 24 hours immediately following your procedure with IV Sedation/General Anesthesia. Our team will provide you with instructions regarding the types of activities from which to refrain, as well as what to expect during your recovery period.
What are the Side Effects of IV Sedation/ General Anesthesia?
You may feel disoriented, groggy, and confused when waking from your procedure. Some other common side effects, which can occur rarely but usually resolve quickly, include vomiting or nausea, which is usually alleviated with an anti-nausea medication, shakiness, or chills.
We will:
- Monitor your heart rate and rhythm with an ECG, breathing, blood oxygen levels, and blood pressure during your procedure
- Manage pain you may have after your procedure
- Ensure your comfort before, during, and after the procedure
When discussing options for IV sedation/General anesthesia, a complete, accurate, and up-to-date review of your medical history is necessary to determine if you are a candidate for an in-office procedure. Please remember to tell us all of the medications you are taking, recent changes in your health, past surgeries or medical procedures, and allergies you may have.
For patients with more serious medical concerns, a consultation with either your primary care physician or medical specialist may be needed prior to surgery. In some cases, depending on the nature of your medical condition or the complexity of your surgery, treatment in a hospital setting may be advised.
