Anesthesia Ann Arbor, MI
To administer IV anesthesia in their office, an oral surgeon needs to complete extensive hospital-based anesthesia training. After that, they must pass an in-office evaluation conducted by an examiner appointed by the state dental board. This evaluation might include the examiner watching a real surgical procedure where general anesthesia is used. The examiner will also check all the monitoring devices and emergency equipment and test the doctor and the surgical staff on how they handle anesthesia-related emergencies. At Great Lakes Oral Surgery, you can trust our board certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon to complete your care in a safe and comfortable environment.
Patients with severe anxiety and fear of seeing a dental professional, such as an oral surgeon, can feel more relaxed with new styles of dentistry treatment. Today, some patients can ease their anxiety with anesthesia. Anesthesia services allow providers to administer medication to anxious patients during dental procedures for more comfort and relief.
Our oral surgeon provides anesthesia at Great Lakes Oral Surgery in Ann Arbor and the surrounding area. Our caring providers can help patients feel more relaxed during their treatment. Call us at (734) 961-4864 today to see how we use anesthesia.
Why Choose Anesthesia
Anesthesia can help with a variety of common dental procedures. According to some studies, dental fear may affect between 13% to 24% of patients. Throughout history, oral surgeons and other providers have used a variety of substances to sedate patients and keep them calm during treatment.
Oral surgeons who offer sedation options can help reluctant patients get back into the regular dentist routine. If someone has had a bad experience during a previous visit, anesthesia can help them feel more positive about future treatments. Patients who avoid dental care due to fear or anxiety put their oral health at risk. Instead of being afraid, patients can work with an oral surgeon with experience in sedation to design a comfortable treatment plan.
“Throughout history, oral surgeons and other providers have used a variety of substances to sedate patients and keep them calm during treatment.”
Patients Who May Benefit from Sedation Dentistry
Anesthesia is not only for those with high dental anxiety. Sedation can ease the process for patients who need a significant amount of dental work done at one appointment. The same is true for patients who need dental restorative services that require lengthy treatments. Those facing particularly invasive dental procedures can benefit from sedation as well.
Other patients who could benefit from sedation are those with a low tolerance for pain. In addition, patients with sensitive teeth or gums may get better results if they pair their treatment with sedation. Finally, children who struggle to sit still during treatment may also have sedation treatment during their visits.
“Sedation can ease the process for patients who need a significant amount of dental work done at one appointment.”
Preparing for anesthesia
Ensure the provider follows the guidelines for sedation from the American Dental Association. Patients should get answers to their questions before undergoing sedation during their appointment. Ask about the provider's experience delivering different types of sedatives during treatment. Inquire about the surgeon's training and qualifications with dental sedation.
For dental procedures with sedation, it may be necessary to follow specific directions the night before the procedure. If the provider has given instructions, make sure you follow them carefully. Sometimes, the patient must avoid eating and drinking a few hours before the procedure.
Talk to the dental provider and review any paperwork about the sedation options. Ask about what will happen during the sedation procedure and when the treatment is over. Find out if patients can drive home themselves or if they should have help.
“For dental procedures with sedation, it may be necessary to follow specific directions the night before the procedure.”
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Types of Sedation in an Oral Surgeon’s Office
There are three major types of sedation in dentistry. Occasionally, a procedure will call for general anesthesia, but this is not the norm. Here are the three main types of sedation more commonly offered in oral surgeon’s offices:
- Nitrous Oxide. Commonly referred to as laughing gas, this is a mild and temporary form of sedation often used with local anesthetic for procedures such as root canals or extractions. Because nitrous oxide sedation is milder and wears off quickly, it is popular with children with high dental anxiety.
- Oral Sedation. Like nitrous oxide, this is another form of conscious sedation. However, this sedation is taken in pill form and usually takes a while to wear off after the procedure. This type of sedation includes a wide range of drugs, such as triazolam, diazepam, and lorazepam. Surgeons may use a liquid form of sedation, such as midazolam oral syrup, for children.
- Intravenous (IV) Sedation. This is the strongest form of conscious sedation offered in a surgeon’s office. The medication is delivered straight to the bloodstream while the patient’s heart rate and blood pressure are monitored. Though this method does not put patients completely out, most people will fall asleep and not remember the procedure.
Patients are encouraged to talk to Great Lakes Oral Surgery about their options. However, the typical recommendation is to use the lightest form of sedation to keep the patient comfortable. Procedures that call for general anesthesia are not performed in a general dentist's office but in a hospital setting.
“Because nitrous oxide sedation is milder and wears off quickly, it is popular with children with high dental anxiety.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. Why see a dentist who does anesthesia?
Q. Who benefits most from anesthesia?
Q. How should I prepare for anesthesia?
Q. What types of dental sedation are available in a dental office?
Q. Who is not a candidate for anesthesia?
People Also Ask
Q. What are the different types of sedation?
Q. Why do patients need oral surgery?
Q. Why would I need a tooth extraction?
Q. Why would a dentist refer a patient to a specialist for dental implant surgery?
Q. How can I prepare for my first implant procedure?
Q. What are a patient’s options for replacing multiple teeth?
Who Should Avoid Anesthesia
Patients who are considering anesthesia during their dental treatment must understand the process. Not all patients are good candidates, so it is essential that patients discuss options with their dental provider. Our team at Great Lakes Oral Surgery reviews a patient’s medical history before discussing sedation options.
Patients with any allergies to ingredients in sedation should avoid using it and notify our team of any allergies they know of during the consultation. Pregnant women should not have sedation dentistry at any stage, and sedation should be used on children with extreme caution. Chronic medical conditions, such as heart disease, obesity, sleep apnea, or diabetes, must be disclosed before considering sedation. The provider also needs to know about the patient's current medications. These factors can affect a patient's eligibility for sedation.
“Not all patients are good candidates, so it is essential that patients discuss options with their dental provider.”
Frequently Asked Questions About Anesthesia
Q. What are the benefits of undergoing anesthesia?
A. Healthy patients who opt for anesthesia can experience less discomfort and pain during treatment. Patients undergoing extensive dental treatment or surgical procedures can be more comfortable. Sedation also helps people with fear or anxiety feel calmer and more positive about their experience in the surgeon's chair.
Q. What medication will the oral surgeon administer during the dental procedure?
A. There are several levels of sedation and medications used in dental procedures. Oral surgeons may provide minimal, moderate, or deep sedation or general anesthesia during a visit. Providers use the patient's medical history, comfort level, and procedure type to determine the right sedation level.
Q. What kind of qualifications does an oral surgeon need to practice anesthesia?
A. In order to administer certain types of sedatives, providers must meet state board requirements. According to a survey by the College of Dentistry at the University of Florida, all states require patient monitoring and specific guidelines for staff training. Our team is committed to exceeding the standard of the state's guidelines for using sedation during dental treatment.
Q. Is sedation treatment by an oral surgeon only for patients with extreme anxiety?
A. Anesthesia can benefit a variety of patients and situations. Even those without severe anxiety may find treatment with sedation more comfortable and relaxing. Sedation is also helpful during lengthy treatments that require work on more than one tooth.
Q. How much does sedation dentistry cost?
A. The cost of sedation with dental treatment varies and is sometimes covered by a medical plan. Discuss the options for sedation with Great Lakes Oral Surgery to see if it is the right fit. Our staff can help patients make the choice that is best for their treatment plan.
Q. Can anesthesia help me take better care of my teeth?
A. Patients who have avoided dental work done in the past can benefit greatly from anesthesia. People seeking an oral surgeon are typically referred to us by their general dentist. With the help of anesthesia, we can help prevent more advanced dental problems.
Start Feeling Better – Visit Us Today
By visiting us as soon as possible, our team can help get you the professional treatment you need. Instead of waiting around and allowing the symptoms to get worse, we can provide you with treatment options.
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Call Us Today
Anesthesia is a viable option for many patients of all ages. We can discuss your options and find a form of sedation that suits your needs. Do not put your oral health on hold. Call the Great Lakes Oral Surgery Ann Arbor office at (734) 961-4864 for more information and to get your questions about anesthesia answered.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2024
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2024
- American Academy of Maxillofacial Prosthetics. American Academy of Maxillofacial Prosthetics. 2024
- American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. 2024
- American College of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. American College of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. 2024
- National Cancer Institute (NCI). National Cancer Institute (NCI). 2024
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2024
About our business and website security
- Great Lakes Oral Surgery was established in 2024.
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- We serve patients from the following counties: Washtenaw County
- We serve patients from the following cities: Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Saline, Dexter, and Chelsea
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