Are you getting ready for an upcoming oral surgery in Houston? If so, we want to remind you there’s absolutely no need to worry — with our list of options in anesthesia, we promise you won’t feel anything at all. Current offerings in anesthesia and sedation make modern oral surgery more comfortable than ever before. Make yourself aware of the types of anesthesia offered by Dr. Steve L. Koo and Dr. Thomas M. Weil at Piney Point Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.
Your Anesthesia Options for Oral Surgery
Your Houston oral surgeon offers three types of anesthesia options: local, intravenous and general anesthesia. The option that’s right for you will depend on a few factors, including your age, emotional state and the type of procedure being performed.
Local Anesthesia
The most basic type of anesthesia, a local anesthetic numbs just the treatment area. In oral procedures, it’s injected into the gum to deaden the tooth’s root. The option may be combined with nitrous oxide (known familiarly as “laughing gas”) in minor procedures to calm nerves and ensure the patient enjoys complete comfort while in the dental chair.
Intravenous Anesthesia
For patients who suffer from moderate to severe levels of anxiety, or for those undergoing longer or more complex procedures, intravenous (IV) anesthesia is a wonderful option. It’s a medication that’s administered through the crook of the elbow or the back of the hand. This method helps the patient achieve a deeper level of comfort, completely removed from the sights, smells and sounds of what’s going on around them, while still remaining technically conscious.
General Anesthesia
Reserved for patients with severe anxiety or those undergoing the most complex oral procedures, general anesthesia accomplishes a state of complete unconsciousness. Healthy patients may undergo general anesthesia in the office setting, while those with certain medical conditions may need to be hospitalized for their oral procedure. General anesthesia can be combined with IV sedation to reduce the amount of medication administered while ensuring complete comfort.
We’ve Got You Covered With Close Patient Monitoring
Whichever anesthesia option is right for you, you will feel confident knowing our team of experts is closely monitoring you throughout your procedure. We’ll keep a close eye on your vitals signs — your blood pressure, heart rate, breath and blood oxygen levels — to make sure you’re completely safe throughout your time under anaesthesia. Because your health and safety is always our number one priority.
Are you interested in learning more about your anesthesia options from Piney Point Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery? Contact us to learn more or to schedule your appointment today!