If you’re one of the millions of Americans who fear anesthesia, we want to dissolve your fears. One of the ways to overcome fear is through knowledge! Keep reading to find out exactly how it works, and the different types offered at Athens Oral Surgery Center.
How Anesthesia Works
Normally, when you experience pain, your body and brain communicate to each other in order for you to take action. But, when you are under the effects of anesthesia, the gas will block nerve signals that your body is sending to your brain. This eliminates the body’s ability to process the pain. After the procedure is complete and the gas is no longer administered, the body and brain’s communication ability are restored.
3 Types of Anesthesia
This gas is used for a variety of purposes. Understandably, there are three different types of anesthesia: local, nitrous oxide, and intravenous sedation.
Many people are familiar with local, as this is often called Novocain or Lidocaine. When injected, it numbs the area where the procedure will be performed. Local works very quickly – roughly three to six minutes to achieve numbness in the designated area.
Nitrous oxide is affectionately referred to as laughing gas. This gas is one that a patient inhales to reduce anxiety. This gas is frequently combined with other forms of anesthesia to help achieve the desired result.
The strongest level of anesthesia that a patient can have is through IV sedation. The medicine is inserted through an IV and goes into effect quickly. This type of sedation is used for long and invasive procedures. Many people appreciate this because it eliminates pain, reduces anxiety, and blocks memory of the procedure.
How AOSC Can Help
We don’t want you to have any anxious thoughts concerning your procedure or anesthesia! Please don’t hesitate to contact us with your questions. Thank you for choosing AOSC for your oral surgery needs!