At West Coast Oral Surgery, we understand that many patients may feel anxious or nervous about their upcoming procedure. That’s why we offer a range of anesthesia options to help ensure your comfort and safety during your oral surgery.

We offer several types of anesthesia to meet the needs of our patients:

1. Local Anesthesia: This is the most common type of anesthesia for simple oral surgery procedures. Local anesthesia involves injecting an anesthetic agent directly into the area being treated. This allows you to remain awake and alert during the procedure while eliminating any pain or discomfort.
2. Nitrous oxide: Nitrous oxide (known as laughing gas) is an inhaled form of mild sedation that yields feelings of deep relaxation and euphoria within minutes of inhaling the gas. With nitrous oxide you will be aware and responsive to what is happening around you, however you will not be bothered or anxious about anything. 
3. Oral sedation: Pre-operative medication can be used to achieve a mild or moderate level of sedation, depending on the dose provided. With oral sedation, a prescription medication (pill) is taken in the morning of your appointment (and sometimes the night before). Within about an hour, the medication will take effect and make you feel sleepy. Although you may fall into a light sleep, you will still be able to be woken up and will be somewhat responsive. 
4. IV Sedation: IV sedation is used to achieve a moderate to deep level of sedation. IV sedation involves administering medication directly into your bloodstream through an intravenous catheter inserted directly into the bloodstream prior to the procedure.IV sedation is generally used to put individuals in a light or deep sleep. With deep sedation, you may only be responsive to painful or repeated stimuli and may need breathing assistance. This type of anesthesia is ideal for patients who feel anxious or nervous about their procedure. Depending on the level of IV sedation, patient will be relaxed, drowsy, or sleeping.
5. General Anesthesia: General anesthesia involves administering medication that causes you to become unconscious during your procedure. This type of anesthesia is typically reserved for more complex procedures or patients with special needs.Our doctors and experienced team will work with you to determine the best anesthesia option for your specific needs.

Benefits of Anesthesia

Choosing the right anesthesia can help make your oral surgery procedure more comfortable and less stressful. Some of the benefits of anesthesia include:

1. Pain relief: Anesthesia eliminates pain and discomfort during your procedure.
2. Reduced anxiety: Anesthesia can help you feel more relaxed and at ease during your procedure.
3. Improved safety: Some procedures are safer to be performed under anesthesia. This could be due to access, proximity to vital structures, patient’s discomfort and anxiety, gag reflex, ineffective local anesthesia, patient’s past medical history, etc. During anesthesia the patient’s vital signs are closely monitored by the doctor and our trained team to ensure your safety and well-being.
4. Faster recovery: Anesthesia can help you recover more quickly and comfortably after your procedure.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT AFTER UNDERGOING DENTAL SEDATION?

Your expectations after dental sedation will also depend on the type and level of sedation you received. Briefly, here is what you should expect: 

NITROUS OXIDE

The effects of the gas will begin to wear off as soon as you stop inhaling the gas. Nitrous oxide generally has no long-term effects, and many people are able to safely drive themselves home afterwards. 

ORAL SEDATION

Both mild and moderate oral sedation will leave you feeling somewhat tired for a period after the procedure. Those who used moderate sedation will feel stronger effects and will take longer to return to normal. Since oral sedation can have lasting effects, a driver will be needed to drive you to and from your appointment. 

IV SEDATION

Like oral sedation, IV sedation will leave you feeling tired after your procedure. The deeper the level of sedation used, the more tired you will feel and the longer the effects will last. This means that a driver is also needed for individuals receiving IV sedation. 

GENERAL ANESTHESIA 

After being sedated with general anesthesia, you will need to be monitored for a longer period after your procedure while you recover from anesthesia. Even after you are released, you can expect to feel groggy and tired for the remainder of the day. You should also have someone drive you and closely monitor you in the first 24 hours. At West Coast Oral Surgery, we are committed to providing personalized care to every patient. Our experienced team will work with you to determine the best anesthesia option for your specific needs.