Anesthesia

Anesthesia

There are different anesthetic methods in adjunct to surgery. The type of anesthesia selection depends on the surgical procedure and patient comfort. Local Anesthesia, Nitrous Oxide, Oral Sedation, IV sedation, In Office General Anesthesia and Hospital based General Anesthesia are used in adjunct for a comfortable and safe procedure. 

Local Anesthesia 
Numbing medication is injected locally while the patient is conscious and awake. This is appropriate for simple extractions and small biopsies.

Nitrous Oxide/ Laughing Gas
A mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen is administered through your nose. The patient remain conscious but feels relaxed and slightly drowsy. Nitrous Oxide is a mild sedative and also works as an analgesic to control pain. Simple surgeries and implant placements are commonly done with nitrous oxide and local anesthesia. Nitrous Oxide is commonly used during emergency procedures that cannot be planned. Patients don’t need to be empty stomach and can drive home after the procedure.

Oral Sedation
This modality is commonly used in pediatric patients for simple procedures. The medication is administered while monitored in the office. Simple and short procedures can be completed under oral sedation.

Office based Intravenous sedation (IVS) or General Anesthesia 
An IV is placed and medication is administered in a monitored setting. During IV or conscious sedation the patient can breathe spontaneously. Wisdom teeth surgeries and more complex grafting and implant surgeries are commonly done under IV sedation. For select cases general anesthesia is recommended. Different anatomy where patients have difficulty moving air without the help of a breathing tube or previous known reaction to anesthesia may require general anesthesia where a breathing tube is placed and a machine breathes for the patient.

Hospital Based Anesthesia 
Surgeries including jaw fracture, jaw corrective surgery, TMJ surgery and patients who have multiple medical comorbidities may require hospital based cared.
 
Dr. Song and Dr. Um had extensive training in anesthesia where they trained as part of the Anesthesia department. Both doctors hold a General Anesthesia Permit from the state of California and are Board Certified Diplomat of the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology. In order to hold a general anesthesia permit the state dental board appoints an examiner to inspect the applicant and the facility. Our doctors and staff are BLS (basic life support) and ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) certified. Song Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are also PALS (pediatric advanced life support) and ATLS (advanced trauma life support) certified. Song Oral and maxillofacial surgeons explain the anesthesia process during the consultation and helps you make the best choice for a safe and pleasant procedure.
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