Patients undergoing surgery often experience a great deal of anxiety.  Fortunately drugs available today allow surgery to be performed with minimal or no discomfort.  Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are extensively trained in modern anesthesia and are dental specialists with extensive training in this method of anesthesia.  In-office anesthesia may be safely performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon on healthy patients when the appropriate emergency equipment is present.  A consultation with the surgeon determines whether an individual is appropriate for this in-office anesthesia.  For a less healthy patient, sometimes their primary care physician is consulted to assess their risk for in-office anesthesia.  If the patient is not appropriate for this, then surgery in the hopsital may be indicated.  By following these guidelines, oral and maxillofacial surgeons have established an excellent safety record in the United States over the last century.

 

Greater Louisville Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Associates provides the following types of office based anesthesia.

 

Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide or "laughing gas" can take effect quickly and will wear off rapidly.  This form of anesthesia will not "put you to sleep" but rather is a way to reduce the anxiety for a minimally invasive procedure, such as an extraction with local anesthesia.

 

Conscious Sedation

Conscious sedation involves administering drugs through an IV catheter, which causes significant relaxation and sedation.  Patients are able to follow commands and may recall parts of surgery.  A patient is asked not to eat or drink for at least 8 hours priot to this and must have someone with them to drive them home.

 

Deep Sedation & General Anesthesia

Deep sedation and general anesthesia are two ways to "put people to sleep" by administering medications through an IV or by breathing gas.  Patients tend not to recall any of the surgery.  A patient is asked not to eat or drink for at least 8 hours prior to this and must have someone with them to drive them home.

​

Please call Greater Louisville Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Associates at (502) 459-8012 or email for more information regarding sedation and anesthesia.