anesthesia options

oral surgery • renton, wa • maple valley, wa

Some people feel anxious or nervous about their visit to the oral surgeon.  Dr. Johnson and his staff understand your anxieties and we strive to make your visit with us as comfortable as possible.

We understand that many people have fear about the procedure and/or the anesthesia itself.  We have a few options for you to make your procedure as free from anxiety and discomfort as possible.

With all procedures local anesthetic will be given as needed.  The Local anesthetic numbs the teeth and gums to prevent you from feeling discomfort during and after your surgery.  This is the same local anesthetic that you would receive from your family dentist prior to general dentistry procedures.

If you wish to stay awake for your procedure but are a little anxious, Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas) might be a good option for you.  Nitrous Oxide is an antianxiety agent that can help you relax during your procedure.  The Nitrous Oxide will be mixed with Oxygen and administered through a small mask that is worn over your nose.  Nitrous Oxide produces different effects on different people.  Overall it will provide a calming effect.  Some patients feel drowsy while others can feel quite euphoric, hence the term laughing gas.   

General anesthesia is offered for someone who wishes to have little if any memory of the procedure.  With a general anesthetic an IV (intravenous) will be started in your arm or possibly the back of your hand.  Through this IV Dr. Johnson can give you medications continuously through the procedure as needed to maintain the desired state of anesthesia during oral surgery.

Since none of the medications that we use for general anesthetic procedures are in the Narcotics class, nausea is a rare occurrence.     

If your anxiety is related to the IV itself, we do have another option for you.  Prior to starting the IV we can actually have you “go to sleep” by breathing in some gases through a mask that is held over your face.  The IV would then be started once you have fallen asleep.  There is rapid recovery from these agents with minimal side effects.

With any of these drugs it is critical that you keep us informed as to what medications you are taking and your current health condition.  This includes over the counter medication as well as prescription medications.  If there is a change in your medical condition since you last visited with us, please advise us of this.

Washington State requires that any Oral Surgeon who provides general anesthesia must have a special permit to do so.  Dr. Johnson is licensed by the State of Washington to deliver general anesthesia and has many years of experience with this procedure.  In addition, every member of his surgical staff is also certified as an Oral and Maxillofacial Anesthesia Assistant.  We strive to provide only the highest quality of care.

Please feel free to discuss any of this information with us.  Working together we can make your visit with us as comfortable and as anxiety free as possible. 

References:  JADA – Vol 132, May 2001, AstraZeneca 2/03, Drugs.com, The Good Drug Guide