We offer a wide range of anesthesia techniques to eliminate pain and control anxiety. Our providers are dedicated to ensuring that your surgical experience will be as pleasant as possible.
All surgery is performed under appropriate anesthesia to maximize your comfort. The method of anesthesia is determined by the nature of the procedure and your level of apprehension. Anesthesia options, as well as any potential risks, will be discussed with you prior to your procedure.
Our typical anesthesia techniques are described below:
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are extensively trained in all forms of anesthesia administration. Our doctors are experienced in the delivery of sedation, as well as regional anesthesia of the head and neck. We also employ the services of a board-certified anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetists when necessary for more complex or lengthy procedures.
Most routine oral surgery procedures are performed in a private surgical suite at one of our four office locations. This comfortable, personalized setting allows for safe and efficient treatment while reducing the overall cost of your care. Our surgical suites are furnished with the latest anesthesia monitoring equipment, allowing for delivery of intravenous and regional anesthesia.
Large or more complex surgeries take place at Mission Hospital or the Asheville Surgery Center.
Any patient undergoing oral or intravenous sedation cannot eat or drink anything for 8 hours prior to surgery. This is to avoid food from your stomach getting into your lungs after you are asleep which could lead to serious complications.
Some medications can interact with sedation medications or increase your risk of bleeding. Your doctor will tell you if you need to stop any of your medications prior to surgery. Otherwise, you may take any necessary medications with a small sip of water prior to your sedation.
We want you to be safe. Respiratory infections can increase your risk when being put to sleep. The physiological effects of the infection can linger in the lungs much longer than the symptoms are felt. Some infections that cause a sore throat can get into your wound and lead to life-threatening surgical site infections.
If you have a respiratory infection or a sore throat prior to surgery, please call our office. We will discuss your symptoms and determine if surgery should be rescheduled.
Patients who undergo sedation should not drive or operate heavy machinery for 24 hours after surgery. Plan to have someone available the day of surgery to take you to our office, stay in the building during your procedure, and take you home afterwards. This person will also need to help you get any necessary medications from the pharmacy and make sure you get home safely.
Patients may not take a taxi or ridesharing service home after sedation without an escort present.
After your procedure you will be carefully monitored until fully awake and ready to go home. Initial recovery will occur in the surgery suite. Once able, you will be transferred to our recovery unit where you will rest comfortably. Your doctor will discuss the surgery and any necessary instructions with you and your escort. By the time you leave our office, you should expect to be feel awake but groggy.