IV Sedation & Anesthesia for Oral Surgery in Winston-Salem & Mount Airy, NC

Our oral and maxillofacial surgeons offer several anesthesia and sedation options to help patients undergo oral surgery safely and comfortably. Depending on the procedure, your medical history, age, level of anxiety, and individual needs, treatment may be performed with local anesthesia, nitrous oxide, IV sedation, or general anesthesia. Your surgeon will discuss the appropriate options with you during your consultation.

Anesthesia Options for Oral Surgery

Anesthesia recommendations are individualized for each patient and procedure. Common options available through our practice include:

Local Anesthesia

Local anesthetic is used to numb the surgical area while the patient remains conscious. It is commonly used for minor oral surgery and simple tooth extractions and is also used in combination with other forms of sedation and anesthesia.

Nitrous Oxide Sedation

Nitrous oxide, sometimes called laughing gas, is inhaled through a small nasal mask along with oxygen. The patient remains conscious while the medication helps reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. Nitrous oxide is used with local anesthesia and may be appropriate for selected oral surgery procedures.

IV Sedation

IV sedation is commonly used for procedures such as wisdom teeth removal, multiple extractions, bone grafting, and dental implant surgery. Sedative medications are administered through an intravenous (IV) line to help reduce anxiety and promote comfort during the procedure. Many patients have limited memory of their procedure afterward.

During IV sedation, supplemental oxygen may be provided and your breathing, oxygen level, heart rate, blood pressure, and other vital signs are monitored throughout the procedure. Your surgeon will review your medical history and determine whether IV sedation is appropriate for you.

Office-Based General Anesthesia

For selected patients and procedures, general anesthesia may be provided in our office with a second anesthesia provider, such as an anesthesiologist or Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). This option may be considered for more complex procedures or for patients whose individual needs make IV sedation alone less appropriate. Your medical history and other factors are evaluated to determine whether office-based general anesthesia is appropriate.

Hospital or Surgery Center General Anesthesia

Some patients are better treated in a hospital or ambulatory surgery center, where general anesthesia is administered by an anesthesiologist or CRNA. This may be appropriate for extensive procedures such as corrective jaw or facial surgery, or for patients whose medical conditions make treatment in an office setting less appropriate.

Choosing the Right Anesthesia Option

Patient safety and comfort are central to anesthesia planning. Your surgeon will consider the planned procedure, your medical history, medications, previous anesthesia experiences, level of anxiety, and other individual factors when discussing your anesthesia options.

If you will be receiving IV sedation or general anesthesia, you will receive specific instructions about eating and drinking, medications, transportation, and preparing for your procedure. Please review our instructions before IV sedation and anesthesia and follow the specific instructions provided by our office.

If you have questions or concerns about anesthesia for your oral surgery procedure, please discuss them with your surgeon during your consultation.