We want you to feel comfortable throughout your entire procedure. Ocean Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery offers several types of anesthesia to meet your needs. During your initial consultation, we will discuss the type of surgical procedure you require and your level of anxiety or apprehension while in our office. We will then recommend the type of sedation that will be most beneficial for you. We welcome you to call our office if you have any questions about dental anesthesia in Santa Barbara, California, and to make your appointment with Dr. David McAninch and Dr. Robert Kiken.
Below are the types of anesthesia administered in our office:
Local Anesthetic
Local anesthetic is the mildest form of anesthetic used at our office. It is administered in the area where the surgery is to be performed, typically by injection. Depending on the procedure, local anesthetic may be used in combination with another type of anesthesia. Local anesthetic is frequently used in simple oral surgery procedures, such as minor soft tissue treatments or simple tooth extractions.
Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is a type of sedation dentistry that works through inhalation. A breathing apparatus is placed over the patient’s nose. As the patient breathes in the gas they become relaxed. If you receive nitrous oxide, you will remain conscious, but will be very relaxed – you may also experience a “floating” or euphoric feeling. Nitrous oxide has a sedative and an analgesic (pain-controlling) effect. As soon as you stop inhaling the gas, the effects wear off, making it possible for you to safely and legally drive yourself home following your procedure.
General Anesthesia
When you receive general anesthesia, medication is administered through an intravenous (IV) line. This medication causes you to fall asleep, and you will be able to receive your treatments without difficulty. General anesthesia is available for all types of oral surgery. Many patients receiving a dental implant or having their wisdom teeth removed elect to receive general anesthesia. General anesthesia may also be needed if the local anesthetic fails to relieve pain at the surgical site.
IV Sedation
IV sedation, also known as “twilight sedation” is similar to general anesthesia, in that it is administered through intravenous lines. IV sedation enables you to tolerate your treatment and feel comfortable, and may result in you not remembering the procedure itself. IV sedation is a form of conscious sedation, meaning that you will be awake, but in some cases you may feel relaxed enough to drift in and out of sleep.
Hospital Sedation
When you receive hospital sedation, you are admitted to a hospital or surgery center where your anesthetic is administered by an anesthesiologist. Hospital sedation is often recommended for patients undergoing extensive procedures (such as face and jaw reconstruction or TMJ surgery) or for patients with medical conditions who require general anesthesia.
Our first priority is your comfort and safety. We carefully monitor each patient who receives anesthesia to ensure that you remain safe throughout your entire procedure.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the type of anesthesia you will receive, please do not hesitate to discuss them with our oral surgeons during your consultation or to contact our office for more information.
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