Sedation

Sedation offers individuals with general anxiety about going to the oral surgeon, or fears about a specific oral surgery procedure, the opportunity to have a stress free and more comfortable experience. Utilizing safe and controlled sedation techniques prior to the procedure, the patient is eased into a state of complete relaxation. This eliminates any discomfort, pain, and preoperative anxiety that may be associated with a particular visit. With sedation, patients typically feel more at ease post-operatively as they have little or no memory of the actual moment-to-moment oral surgery procedure.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons are the experts in outpatient sedation. There are many anesthetic options to make you as comfortable as possible during your surgical visit. Local anesthetic is always provided during any procedure.

The choice of which type of sedation is most appropriate for an oral surgery procedure depends on the specific needs of the individual. In choosing the most appropriate method of sedation, the oral surgeon considers the patient’s medical history and their level of anxiety. Types of sedation for oral surgery patients include nitrous oxide sedation, oral conscious sedation, and IV sedation.

IV Sedation

IV Sedation involves a sedative that is administered intravenously, or directly into a vein. It is indicated when deeper sedation is required. This type of sedation can be quickly modified to your state of consciousness and can be continued as long as necessary for the procedure.

IV Sedation requires an empty stomach. Patients receiving this type of sedation will be instructed as to how many hours prior to their surgical procedure they should stop eating or drinking. In addition to this, patients receiving IV sedation will need to have an escort present for the appointment and to be able to drive them home when the appointment is completed.

Before IV Sedation

DO NOT eat or drink anything (including water) for eight (8) hours prior to the appointment.

No smoking at least 12 hours before surgery. Ideally, cut down or stop smoking as soon as possible prior and after the day of surgery.

No marijuana for 2 days prior to surgery
A responsible adult (at least 18 years old) must accompany the patient to the office, remain in the office during the procedure, and drive the patient home. Uber, Lift or ride-share services will not be allowed under any circumstances.
The patient should not drive a vehicle or operate any machinery for 24 hours following the anesthesia experience.
The patient should not wear jewelry or watches and should wear loose fitting clothing.
The patient must not eat or drink starting midnight prior to surgery. (NPO rules may be adjusted if discussed with Dr. Patel first)
In general, patients should take their prescribed medications with a very small sip of water (more than 2 hours before surgery) except where changed or halted by the MD (i.e. Coumadin)
Do not wear lipstick, fake eye lashes, excessive makeup, or nail polish on the day of surgery. Try to have at least one finger without fake nails to help read your oxygenation
If you have an illness such as a cold, sore throat, stomach or bowel upset, please notify the office prior to your appointment.
If you take medications, please check with Dr. Patel prior to your surgical date for medication instructions

General Anesthesia

General anesthesia is used for patients requiring extensive surgical procedures like orthognathic surgery or facial reconstruction following trauma. It’s also often used for individuals with special needs, severe anxiety, or other medical conditions presenting challenges to care. As performed in a hospital-based or ambulatory surgery setting, general anesthesia achieves the deepest sedation level, rendering the patient unconscious and unable to feel pain. A trained and licensed anesthesiologist will administer the general anesthesia, monitor the patient’s vitals, and support respiration throughout the procedure.

Nitrous Sedation

Commonly referred to as “laughing gas,” nitrous oxide is used as a mild sedative to reduce anxiety and allow a level of relaxation during a procedure. Nitrous oxide is inhaled through a small mask over the nose. It is administered for the duration of the procedure and is turned off as the procedure is coming to an end. The effects of this method of sedation wear off very quickly.

Oral Sedation

Oral Sedation means that you will be given a prescription for an oral medication prior to you appointment. Taken at the recommended time before your appointment, this medication allows you to fully relax by the time your procedure begins. When receiving oral sedation, a patient must have an escort on the day of the procedure to drive them to and from the oral surgeon’s office.