What You Need to Know About Our Sedation Options

Venture Creative on July 17, 2020

Oral surgery can make potential patients anxious, and that means that there are a couple of questions that we get frequently. One is how much pain or discomfort that you can expect during a procedure, and the other we get a lot is about if you will be awake or under anesthesia for the duration. Both of these questions can be addressed by considering our various sedation options for our procedures. Based on customer comfort and the level of complexity to the procedure, there is a wide range of options, all of which we are proficient with at the Oral and Facial Surgery Institute.

Minor Procedures

Some of the simplest surgical treatments we perform include basic gum treatments and easy, simple tooth extractions. For these procedures, we generally use only a local anesthetic, which is lidocaine. Lidocaine is actually used in almost all of our sedation options as our local anesthetic, but it will be used on its own for these minor procedures.

Kicking Up a Notch with Laughing Gas

As the procedures get more complex, we add some more sedation options. For common procedures like wisdom teeth extraction or implant placements, we will add the use of nitrous oxide (known to most as laughing gas) to the lidocaine used as a local. This sedative is given to patients through a small mask that fits comfortably over your nose, quickly calming any anxiety and reducing pain sensations immensely. These effects wear off almost immediately after returning to the use of regular oxygen over the nitrous oxide.

IV Sedation or General Anesthesia in Office

As a complete surgery center, we are licensed and proficient in the use of IV sedation or general anesthesia in our own office. While we generally will only recommend the use of this sedative for complex procedures like a full-mouth reconstruction, the use of general anesthetic is safe enough to use at your choice for simple procedures like wisdom teeth removal if anxiety might be a problem.

When you undergo IV sedation in our office, a patient generally will go in and out of consciousness during the procedure. However, most patients don’t remember their procedure at all and aren’t responsive to the procedure. Even if you are technically awake, you are still basically under anesthesia and shouldn’t experience any anxiety from the procedure. One important thing to note is that the effects of anesthesia are long-lasting enough that you will need someone to drive you home after the procedure.

For Certain Instances, Sedation Can Occur in the Hospital

For some instances, including reconstructive or TMJ surgery or patients with underlying conditions, we may recommend doing the procedure in a hospital setting under the care of an anesthesiologist. However, these instances are exceptionally rare.

When you are considering oral surgery, you will have a wide range of sedation options available to you when you select the Oral and Facial Surgery Institute. Contact us today to learn more!

5 Perks of Wisdom Teeth Removal

Venture Creative on March 4, 2019

Wisdom teeth are molars found in the very back of your mouth. They usually appear in the late teens or early twenties but may become impacted (fail to erupt) due to lack of room in the jaw or angle of entry. The most common type of impacted wisdom tooth removal is “mesial,” which means the tooth is angled forward toward the front of your mouth. Now that doesn’t sound very fun, right? Although it may not sound fun, we’re here to share 5 perks of having your wisdom teeth removed.

Avoid Pain

When a wisdom tooth is impacted, it will need to be removed. If it is not removed, you may develop gum tenderness, swelling, or even severe pain. Impacted wisdom teeth that are partially or fully erupted tend to be quite difficult to clean and are susceptible to tooth decay, recurring infections, and even gum disease.

Make Extraction Easy

Each patient’s situation is unique. We will usually take a panoramic X-ray to determine whether your wisdom teeth will need to be removed. If we recommend the removal of your wisdom teeth, it is best to have them removed sooner rather than later.

Have a Short Recovery Time

Wisdom teeth are typically removed during the late teens or early twenties because there is a greater chance that the roots have not fully formed and the bone surrounding the teeth is less dense. These two factors can make wisdom tooth extraction easier, as well as the recovery time much shorter.

Local Anesthetic

To remove a wisdom tooth, we first need to numb the area around the tooth with a local anesthetic. We can use additional medication, such as nitrous oxide, IV sedation, or general anesthesia, to sedate you safely during the extraction if you are feeling nervous about the procedure.

Ice Cream

Once your wisdom teeth have been extracted, the healing process and ice cream eating begins.

Healing time varies, depending on the degree of difficulty related to the extraction. We will let you know what to expect and provide instructions for a comfortable, efficient healing process.

Interesting Facts About Dental Implants

Venture Creative on March 4, 2019

Dental Implants. You’ve heard of them, perhaps you’ve even considered them for yourself or someone close to you, but do you really know about them? We have a handful of interesting facts you may not know about dental implants.

Anyone can get them

That’s right. Anyone. No matter your age, you’re eligible for a new smile. All you’ll need is a sign off from your Oral Surgeon saying your jaw is ready to take on the new smile. If they have any concerns, there are options to prep your jaw so you can be back on your way to a new set of pearly whites.

You wouldn’t be alone

The number of people who have implants is growing by 500,000 each year according to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. Join the 3 million people in the United States who already have implants.

Your implants, your secret

Unless you told someone you have implants, they wouldn’t know because implants look just like real teeth! Implants even fuse with your bone.

It only takes one day

With our Teeth-In-A-Day service you can come in and turn that frown upside down with a whole new set of teeth in simply one day. Check out our Teeth In A Day, A Second Chance At a First Impression post to learn more about the procedure.

Long-lasting

With a nearly 100% success rate, this permanent option is here to stay. Forget options you had to replace and adjust, like dentures, bridges and crowns. Dental implants are here and ready to keep your smile long-lasting. If you take special care of them, they have the potential to last longer than 18 years!

Now that you’ve heard our five interesting facts about dental implants, don’t hesitate to call with any questions you may have. Let us help you smile.

Do I Need to Get My Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Venture Creative on March 1, 2019

Each patient’s situation is unique. Our doctors will usually take a panoramic X-ray to determine whether your wisdom teeth will need to be removed. If they recommend the removal of your wisdom teeth, it is best to have them removed sooner rather than later.

To remove a wisdom tooth, the doctor first needs to numb the area around the tooth with a local anesthetic. They use additional medication, such as nitrous oxide, IV sedation, or general anesthesia, to sedate you safely during the extraction, if you are feeling nervous about the procedure.

Since the impacted wisdom tooth may still be under the gums and embedded in your jaw bone, the doctor will need to remove a portion of the covering bone to extract the tooth. To minimize the amount of bone removed with the tooth, your wisdom tooth may be “sectioned” (cut into pieces) so each piece can be removed through a small opening in the bone.

Once your wisdom teeth have been extracted, the healing process begins. Healing time varies, depending on the degree of difficulty related to the extraction. Our doctors will let you know what to expect and provide instructions for a comfortable, efficient healing process.

How to Overcome Your Fear of Oral Surgery

Venture Creative on March 1, 2019

We are not your everyday practice; we genuinely care about our patients and relate to each one on a personal level. At our office you aren’t just a patient—you are family. We take great pride in having our patients leave happier than when they arrived. We understand oral surgery can make people feel uneasy so we have put together a list of ways you can overcome your fear of oral surgery. These ways are all related to pre-surgery steps we take to help you feel comfortable moving forward.

Open and Honest Communication

First, understand our team members are experts at managing the health, emotions, and expectations of our patients throughout each and every interaction. We strive to always communicate clearly with our patients by discussing their options, reviewing their treatment plan, and answering any questions or concerns they may have. We want them to feel calm and comfortable every time they visit our office.

State-of-the-art Facilities

Second, know that because of our state-of-the-art facilities in St. George, Cedar City, Delta, and Kanab, UT, and Page, AZ , our patients know are going to receive the finest care possible.

Convenience

Third, we are always available to answer any questions or concerns our patients may have. Drs. Davis is also available after hours for emergency care.

As a courtesy to our patients, we call on their insurance before their first appointment. By doing so, we ensure they have a shorter wait time, and we are able to provide them with a more accurate financial estimate.

Sedation Options

One of our main goals is to provide you with a surgical experience that is as comfortable as it is effective. That’s why we offer several methods of sedation. Your oral surgeon will work with you to decide on a personalized sedation plan that will give you the care you need while ensuring your comfort and safety every step of the way. The following are our options:

Local Anesthetic
Nitrous Oxide Sedation with Local Anesthetic
In-office IV Sedation or General Anesthesia
Hospital-Based General Anesthesia

To learn more about what each of the options includes, click here.

We hope this information has given you the comfort you need about oral surgery. If you still have concerns please don’t hesitate to call. We will walk you through everything you need to know to feel confident.

What are My Sedation Options?

Venture Creative on January 21, 2019

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Sedation Options

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With so many different sedation options and techniques, it can become overwhelming to try and understand which option will be best for you. Your oral surgeon will work with you to decide on a personalized sedation plan that will give you the care you need while ensuring your comfort and safety every step of the way.

Local Anesthetics

The most common type of local anesthetic is lidocaine, which is administered by injection.
Often used for simple surgeries, such as gum treatments and tooth extractions.
There are two kinds of numbing injections. A block injection numbs an entire region of your mouth, such as one side of your lower jaw. An infiltration injection numbs a smaller area. This is the area near where the injection was given.

Nitrous Oxide with Local Anesthetics (“Laughing Gas”)

Used for simple oral surgical treatments, such as extractions, wisdom teeth removal, and implant replacements.
When Nitrous Oxide is used with local anesthetic, patients won’t feel pain or anxiety.
Administered through a small mask that fits right over your nose.

In Office IV Sedation or General Anesthesia

Patients who receive this option go between consciousness and unconsciousness throughout their procedure and typically don’t remember the procedure.
Recommended that patients who receive deep sedation have a parent, spouse, or friend accompany them to appointments because it can take several hours for the sedative to wear off.

Your oral surgeon is also licensed by the state to administer general anesthesia, so you can receive the care you need in the comfort of our office. We provide general anesthesia for patients who need all types of oral surgery. Because of the anxiety related to dental procedures, you may choose general anesthesia for procedures as simple as wisdom tooth removal and implant placement, or as complex as full-mouth reconstruction.

Hospital-Based General Anesthesia

Used when oral surgery is performed at a hospital.
Administered by an anesthesiologist who will monitor your vital signs throughout the procedure.
Most commonly used for facial reconstructive surgery and jaw reconstruction, TMJ, and patients who have complex medical conditions.

Because general anesthesia causes drowsiness for several hours after it is administered, you will be required to have a family member or friend drive you to and from your appointment. After your treatment, you should not drive, drink alcohol, or operate machinery.

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What You Need to Know About Our Sedation Options

Minor Procedures

Kicking Up a Notch with Laughing Gas

IV Sedation or General Anesthesia in Office

For Certain Instances, Sedation Can Occur in the Hospital

5 Perks of Wisdom Teeth Removal

Interesting Facts About Dental Implants

Do I Need to Get My Wisdom Teeth Removed?

How to Overcome Your Fear of Oral Surgery

Open and Honest Communication

State-of-the-art Facilities

Convenience

What are My Sedation Options?

Sedation Options

Local Anesthetics

The most common type of local anesthetic is lidocaine, which is administered by injection.

Often used for simple surgeries, such as gum treatments and tooth extractions.

There are two kinds of numbing injections. A block injection numbs an entire region of your mouth, such as one side of your lower jaw. An infiltration injection numbs a smaller area. This is the area near where the injection was given.

Nitrous Oxide with Local Anesthetics (“Laughing Gas”)

Used for simple oral surgical treatments, such as extractions, wisdom teeth removal, and implant replacements.

When Nitrous Oxide is used with local anesthetic, patients won’t feel pain or anxiety.

Administered through a small mask that fits right over your nose.

In Office IV Sedation or General Anesthesia

Patients who receive this option go between consciousness and unconsciousness throughout their procedure and typically don’t remember the procedure.

Recommended that patients who receive deep sedation have a parent, spouse, or friend accompany them to appointments because it can take several hours for the sedative to wear off.

Hospital-Based General Anesthesia

Used when oral surgery is performed at a hospital.

Administered by an anesthesiologist who will monitor your vital signs throughout the procedure.

Most commonly used for facial reconstructive surgery and jaw reconstruction, TMJ, and patients who have complex medical conditions.

Because general anesthesia causes drowsiness for several hours after it is administered, you will be required to have a family member or friend drive you to and from your appointment. After your treatment, you should not drive, drink alcohol, or operate machinery.

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