The choice of anesthesia is always a personal decision. For your convenience, we can often schedule your consult and procedure to be completed the same day. However, in some cases, you may require a separate consultation. Our office staff will help determine the need for a separate consultation when you call.
During your initial consultation with your doctor, you will discuss the specifics of your treatment plan, your medical history, and your level of anxiety to determine which anesthesia option is ideal for you. Some procedures, due to their nature, require the use of general anesthesia or IV sedation, whereas others are best accomplished under local anesthesia.
What is local anesthesia?
Local anesthesia involves administration of a shot that numbs or freezes a small area so surgery can be performed without altering consciousness. Using only a local anesthetic, the patient is completely alert and fully aware of his or her surroundings. Local anesthesia does not decrease the patient’s level of anxiety towards the surgical procedure. Local anesthesia is used in conjunction with the other methods of anesthesia in all oral surgery procedures.
What is nitrous oxide sedation?
Nitrous oxide sedation can be a useful sedative and analgesic aid for oral surgery procedures. Nitrous oxide is a sweet-smelling, non-irritating, colorless gas that you breathe through a nasal breathing apparatus. Nitrous oxide is safe; the patient receives 50–70% oxygen with no less than 30% nitrous oxide. Patients remain conscious in a relaxed condition and can breathe on their own and maintain control of all bodily functions. The patient may experience mild amnesia and may fall asleep not remembering all of what happened during their appointment.
What is intravenous anesthesia?
Intravenous sedation helps you to be comfortable and calm when undergoing dental procedures. Medications that are given through an intravenous (IV) line allow our doctors to tailor the anesthesia to your needs — from light sedation to deeper sleep for maximum comfort. IV sedation will help alleviate the anxiety associated with your treatment. Our surgeons utilize various depths of anesthesia and will choose that which best suits you and your procedure.
Are oral and maxillofacial surgeons qualified to administer anesthesia?
The ability to provide patients with safe, effective outpatient anesthesia is a unique skill acquired by oral and maxillofacial surgeons during their medical training. As the surgical specialists of the dental profession, oral and maxillofacial surgeons are trained in all aspects of anesthesia administration. Following dental school, Drs. Boyce and Tracy each completed a four-year, hospital-based surgical residency program alongside medical residents in general surgery, anesthesia, and other specialties, where they were taught the skills to administer anesthesia to patients safely. This training includes IV sedation, general anesthesia, airway management, and intubation techniques, as well as complete training in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS). At Billings Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Center in Billings, MT, and Cody and Sheridan, WY, it is our chief goal to make your surgical experience as pleasant and stress-free as possible while maintaining the highest level of safety.
