FIRST COAST ORAL SURGERY
Andrew Skigen, DMD, FACS • Anthony Massaro, MD, DMD
Sepideh Sabooree, MD, DMD • Stacey M. Nedrud, MD, DMD, FACS
Diplomates of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Fellows of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
Local Anesthesia
Without a doubt every patient’s anxiety starts with “the shot”. Of course it is better to be numb than not during the procedure, so we make every effort to alleviate any discomfort. We start with a topical anesthetic that pre-numbs the injection site. We wait adequate time for the anesthetic to work and test the area before beginning any procedure. When the lower jaw is anesthetized the patient should feel tingling or numbness in the lower lip. When the upper jaw is anesthetized, the upper lip or nose might feel numb or tingling.
IV Sedation
For people who avoid dentists like the plague, sedation dentistry may take away some of their anxiety. Sedation can be used for everything from invasive procedures to a simple procedure.
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First Coast Oral Surgery proudly offer an alternative solution to "basic anesthesia". Monitored anesthesia, or IV sedation, is administered through a vein. Patients may be able to talk, depending on the level of anesthesia used, or instead be in a deep sleep. Patients are able to breathe on their own so intubation tube is not needed (placing a tube into the windpipe). Intravenous sedation (IV sedation) offers a safe alternative to general anesthesia for minor surgical procedures. It can provide sedation ranging from slight (mildly sleepy) to deep (deep sleeping.)
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Prior to undergoing a procedure with IV Sedation, you should advise our Oral Surgeons about allergies or medical conditions you may have. You should also inform our Surgeons about any medications you are taking and any prior surgeries, including any type of anesthesia, you have had. You will be advised of the need to arrange for a responsible adult to drive you to and from the facility for the surgery.
It's important to stop smoking before surgery to reduce the risk of slow healing after the procedure. Following your surgery, you will be given a list of instructions to follow as well as symptoms that should alert you to call our First Coast Oral Surgery Offices.
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The benefits of using IV Sedation during Oral Surgery and other procedures include the following:
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There is a more precise amount of anesthesia administered
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IV Sedation has one of the higher level's of safety
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Has a lower chance of side-effects: such as postoperative nausea, vomiting, urinary retention, pulmonary complications and malignant hyperthermia (a rare complication of a general anesthetic)
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Compared to other Anesthesia options, patients come out of IV Sedation quickly
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Less risk of blood clots and consequently pulmonary emboli (blood clots that break off in the legs and travel to the lungs)
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IV Sedation allows patients to avoid a sore throat after surgery (general anesthesia requires placement of an endotracheal tube which can cause throat irritation)
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Because a patient is able to breathe on their own with IV sedation, our Oral & Maxillofacial surgeon will remain very aware of any discomfort, as the patient can still respond, during the entire surgery.
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After a Procedure with Intravenous Sedation: Most often you will feel groggy after your surgery. During the recovery process, our highly trained First Coast team will monitor your vital signs, including blood pressure, pulse, and oxygen levels. You will usually be observed for one to two hours after the procedure before you will be able to return home with your designated driver.
Laughing Gas
Laughing Gas can be used to take the edge off any anxiety. It is given through a nose mask and the amount can be increased or decreased to achieve the desired relaxation. Patients who receive Laughing Gas have no lasting effects and can drive immediately afterward.
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Laughing gas does not require shots or IVs for administration. Instead, you simply breathe the laughing gas through a facemask. By breathing normally, you can absorb the anesthetic and quickly feel the sedative effects. Once the mask has been removed, the effects will wear off quickly by simply inhaling and exhaling.
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Oral Surgeons use laughing gas for a few reasons. First, the depth of sedation can be easily increased and decreased. It also works in about 2 or 3 minutes and is very safe for the heart, brain, lungs, liver, and kidneys. Laughing Gas is great for young patients, patients with disabilities, and patients with dental anxiety—the calming and numbing effects work quickly. If you think Laughing Gas is something that would benefit your surgery, please give our Jacksonville, FL or Lake City, FL office a call!