Anesthesia & Sedation Dentistry

Types of Anesthesia

There are many types of anesthesia and sedation available.

Local Anesthesia

Local anesthesia is administered through a syringe and numbs only the surgical area. You will remain awake, but will not feel any discomfort. The numbing effect will wear off a few hours after the procedure, and you will be able to drive yourself home. Local anesthesia is often paired with other forms of anesthesia and used for simple tooth extractions, bone grafting, or minor surgical procedures.

Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is a sedative agent that is inhaled through a mask. It will provide minimal sedation and mild pain relief, and is often paired with another anesthetic like local anesthesia. Laughing gas is great for helping anxious patients feel calm and relaxed during a procedure.

IV Sedation

Sometimes referred to as twilight sedation, IV sedation is administered intravenously and will put you in a semi-conscious state. You will drift in and out of sleep during the procedure and will not feel any pain. This is often used for wisdom teeth removal or for patients with severe anxiety.

General Anesthesia

General anesthesia will render you fully unconscious during your procedure. You will not feel pain and wake up with no memory of surgery. This option is typically reserved for complex surgical procedures, such as jaw surgery or facial trauma surgery.

Who Is a Candidate for Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry is safe for children and adults who experience any of the following:

• Fear of surgery
• Fear of needles
• Sensitive teeth
• Concerned about pain during surgery
• Difficulty sitting still
• Strong gag reflex
• Require a long procedure

During the consultation, Dr. Aynechi will walk you through your anesthesia options and help you choose the right option for your or your child’s needs.

Can Oral Surgeons Perform Anesthesia?

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are qualified to administer anesthesia and sedation. After completing dental school, oral surgeons complete a hands-on residency program, which lasts 4–6 years. During this time, they learn how to administer anesthesia, perform surgery in a hospital setting, and care for patients with varying health needs. Oral surgeons are trained to monitor patients closely during surgery and are the only dental experts required to complete this hands-on anesthesia training before entering practice.

In addition to this oral surgery residency training, Dr. Aynechi holds a medical degree and also completed a surgical residency where he gained additional hands-on experience. He is a highly trained medical and dental professional who you can count on to ensure the health and safety of you and your loved ones.

Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?

Sedation dentistry is safe and effective when administered by a trained expert. Many children, teens, and adults undergo sedation to receive the dental care they need, and we regularly administer anesthesia at our practice. At Beverly Hills Oral Maxillofacial Surgery & Dental Implants, we have an anesthesiologist and nurse on staff, and our office is equipped with two anesthesia machines and hospital-grade emergency equipment. The health and safety of our patients are top priorities, and we will only administer anesthesia or sedation after a thorough examination of our patients’ health and medical history to ensure a safe surgical procedure.

How to Prepare for Anesthesia Before Oral Surgery

Our staff will provide you with instructions to follow before undergoing anesthesia. These instructions will outline how to prepare for the anesthesia experience and what to expect. Please note that if you are undergoing IV sedation, it is your responsibility to arrange for a responsible adult to remain in the office during your procedure and drive you home afterward. Let us know if you have questions about anesthesia or your treatment and we will be happy to help.