Anesthesia Options
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At MOSA Oral Maxillofacial & Dental Implant Surgery, we strive to provide every patient with a safe and comfortable surgical experience. That’s why we offer several anesthesia options to relieve the anxiety or pain that patients often associate with treatment. During the first consultation appointment, we discuss the types of anesthesia available and help every patient determine which type of anesthesia is best for their needs and procedure.
Dr. Michael Lewis, Dr. Ryan Lloyd, and Dr. Andre LaMothe have undergone extensive training in the safe administration of anesthesia. They worked alongside licensed anesthesiologists and learned how to administer anesthesia safely and monitor patients under sedation during their four-year oral and maxillofacial surgical residency program. During your first visit to our office in Monterey, Salinas, or Santa Cruz, we will discuss all of your options and help you select the right type of anesthesia for your needs.
Types of Anesthesia
We offer several forms of anesthesia to ensure your comfort.
Local Anesthesia
Local anesthesia is one of the most common forms of anesthesia. Dentists use local anesthesia often in routine dental work, such as fillings. This method numbs the entire surgical area, allowing patients to remain awake during surgery without feeling anything.
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide sedation, also called laughing gas, may be recommended to ease anxiety, and relax the patient before the treatment. It is most commonly used in coordination with local anesthesia or IV sedation. Our oral surgeons administer nitrous oxide through a breathing apparatus.
Intravenous (IV) Sedation
IV sedation is a preferred anesthesia technique for many surgeries because it puts the patient into a sleep-like state until the procedure is over. Most patients don’t realize the surgery has even started when they wake up at the end of treatment. We may recommend IV sedation for routine procedures, such as wisdom teeth removal and dental implant placement. Those who undergo IV sedation must adhere to strict pre-operative instructions in preparation and must have a responsible adult drive them to and from our office.
General Anesthesia
General anesthesia is necessary for patients undergoing complex procedures performed in hospitals or surgical centers. General anesthesia puts patients into a deep sleep while our oral surgeons perform corrective jaw surgery, facial reconstructive surgery, and other more involved operations.
About Sedation Dentistry
If you experience anxiety or fear when visiting the dentist, sedation dentistry may be the solution you've been looking for. At MOSA Oral Maxillofacial & Dental Implant Surgery, our team of experienced oral surgeons are dedicated to providing a comfortable and stress-free experience for patients in Monterey, Salinas and Santa Cruz, CA. With the option of sedation dentistry, you can now receive the dental care you need without the anxiety.
Sedation dentistry, also known as sleep dentistry, utilizes various levels of sedation to help patients relax and feel calm during dental procedures. It can benefit patients of all ages, allowing them to undergo necessary dental procedures without fear or discomfort.
Our team of oral surgeons will assess your specific needs and determine the appropriate level of sedation for your procedure. Different levels of sedation exist, ranging from mild to deep sedation, and the type chosen will depend on the complexity of the procedure and your level of anxiety.
It is important to note that sedation dentistry should only be administered by qualified healthcare professionals, such as our board-certified oral surgeons. Our doctors have undergone years of specialized training in anesthesia administration and patient monitoring, ensuring your safety and comfort throughout the procedure.
Am I a Candidate for Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is suitable for both children and adults who experience dental fears, phobias, sensitivity, a strong gag reflex, restlessness, or have had past traumatic experiences. It is particularly helpful for longer procedures or for those who have been postponing necessary treatment due to fear of surgery or pain.
Can Oral Surgeons Perform Anesthesia?
It is important to note that as oral and maxillofacial surgeons, our doctors have the necessary training and qualifications to administer all forms of anesthesia. They have undergone extensive education and hands-on training in a residency program after completing dental school. This specialized training prepares them to safely administer anesthesia and monitor patients throughout the surgical procedure.
The Central Coast’s Premier Oral Surgery Practice
MOSA Oral Maxillofacial & Dental Implant Surgery proudly serves Monterey, Salinas, Santa Cruz, and the surrounding communities by providing quality oral surgery services that can change lives. Whether you need a simple extraction or a complex procedure, we are ready to help you achieve the smile of your dreams. We invite you to take the first step toward enhanced oral health and contact our office to schedule a consultation today.