In oral surgery, there are three types of anesthesia that can be used depending on the procedure: local, nitrous oxide, and intravenous sedation. Allow us to explain the role of anesthesia and when a certain type of anesthesia should be used.
3 Types of Anesthesia & Their Roles
Anesthesia changed the DNA of medicine when it was successfully applied to a tooth extraction procedure in 1846 by John Collins Warren, a famous surgeon. Lucky for us, anesthesia has improved drastically in the past 175 years. Consider the different types of anesthesia we use at Athens Oral Surgery Center:
Type 1: Local Anesthesia
Local anesthesia is used when a small, specific area needs to be treated. Examples of when local anesthesia is appropriate include removing a molar or fixing a cavity. If your oral surgeon deems that local anesthesia will suffice, you will be wide awake during the procedure. Don’t worry, you won’t feel any pain! You will possibly feel some tugging or pressure. Because you do not have to be put to sleep with local anesthesia, your prep time and level of procedure risk is minimized.
Type 2: Nitrous Oxide Anesthesia
You may know nitrous oxide by its informal name – laughing gas. This form of anesthesia is used when the patient is extra anxious, as it will calm nerves and help the patient relax. Because it does not provide a deep level of anesthesia, it is commonly combined with local anesthesia. It does not take long for nitrous oxide to wear off, usually less than 10 minutes. Once inhaled, the patient’s mind will calm and body will relax.
Type 3: Intravenous Sedation Anesthesia
Intravenous sedation is a strong form of anesthesia, as it is applied through an IV and straight into the bloodstream. This type of anesthesia is used for lengthy or serious procedures such as wisdom teeth removal. It’s important to know that you are not unconscious if you have IV sedation, but you are in a deep state, sort of like sleeping. You won’t feel any pain or discomfort during the procedure.
Do you have questions about anesthesia or want to schedule a wisdom teeth removal appointment? Call our team today: 706-549-5033