Call Tribeca Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, PLLC Phone Number 212-267-3300 to schedule an appointment.

Sherrill Fay, DMD, MD
Michael Schiffman, DMD, MD
Gregory Shank, DDS

Board Certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
Diplomates of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Oral Surgery Sedation

Tribeca Oral Surgery offers several sedation and anesthesia options for oral surgery depending on the type of procedure, each patient’s preference, and their level of anxiety. As oral surgeons, we are trained and experienced in administering and monitoring all forms of anesthesia.

Types of Anesthesia

We offer a full range of oral surgery sedation options to meet the specific needs of our patients. While some forms of anesthesia focus on preventing pain, others help patients relax or put them to sleep for more complex surgeries.

Local Anesthetic

Local anesthetics are administered by injection directly into the area being treated. Local anesthesia numbs the immediate area but does not affect your consciousness. Lidocaine is a local anesthetic often used for minor oral surgical procedures such as tooth extractions. It is also used with other forms of anesthesia for more complex or lengthy surgeries.

IV Sedation

This is the most commonly requested and used form of oral surgery sedation for complex or lengthy procedures, particularly for patients with dental anxiety or surgery apprehension. An IV in the arm or hand administers a constant amount of sedative that puts the patient into a light sleep. Some oral surgeons refer to IV sedation as “twilight sleep.” Most patients undergoing wisdom teeth removal or dental implants request IV sedation, as they prefer to be asleep and not remember anything about the surgery.

General Anesthesia

For complicated or lengthy procedures, general sedation may be required. Patients breathe in the anesthesia through a mask and are monitored carefully by an anesthesiologist. If general anesthesia is needed, your oral surgeon may perform your surgery in a hospital or outpatient surgical center. TMJ and reconstructive facial surgery are usually performed under general anesthesia in a hospital setting. The patient is in a deep sleep and will remember nothing after the procedure. General anesthesia requires several hours of recovery to flush the medication out of the body, so patients need a ride home after being sedated in this manner.

How Should I Prepare for Anesthesia?

Some forms of anesthesia can cause side effects, including nausea. Do not eat or drink for eight hours before your procedure if you receive IV sedation or general anesthesia.

If you receive oral sedation, IV sedation (twilight sleep), or general anesthesia, be sure to have an adult accompany you and drive you home. After waking from these forms of oral surgery sedation, you will be groggy for several hours.

Can I be Sedated For Any Oral Surgery Procedure?

You may request sedation if you suffer from anxiety or are stressed about any oral surgery procedure. We carefully review your medical history and suggest appropriate oral surgery sedation options based on your needs and the surgery performed.

Why is Anesthesia Necessary?

Oral surgery sedation serves two purposes. First, it eliminates pain and anxiety, making you more comfortable during surgery. Second, it provides your oral surgeon with sufficient time to perform complex surgical procedures without having to rush and without worrying about any involuntary responses from the patient that could impact the outcome.

Monitoring and Safety

Our goal is always the comfort and safety of our patients. All patients are carefully monitored when any form of anesthesia is administered. We monitor heart rate, blood pressure, blood oxygen levels, and breathing throughout every procedure. Our surgical support staff is fully trained to track, record, and respond to any changes to ensure your safety.

Will I Wake Up or Feel Anything While Sedated?

You do not feel any pain while under oral surgery sedation. Every form of sedation includes a local anesthetic to numb the area in addition to the sedation provided by nitrous oxide and other options. You will not wake up during IV sedation or general sedation during the procedure. Nitrous oxide does not put you fully to sleep, but you do not feel pain and are extremely relaxed. It is unlikely you will remember the details of your surgery. IV and general sedation put you to sleep, and you will not wake up until you are recovering post-surgery.

When Will the Anesthesia Wear Off?

Local anesthesia wears off slowly, but your mental capabilities are not affected. Nitrous oxide stops affecting you within minutes, so you should be able to drive yourself home and will feel normal shortly after your procedure. You can drive yourself home as soon as you feel able.

Other forms of oral surgery sedation, including oral, IV, and general anesthesia, can take up to 24 hours to leave your system. You may feel sleepy or have difficulty concentrating during this time. We ask that you have someone else drive you home and stay with you for the first 24 hours after surgery.

If you have questions about your oral surgery sedation options, we are happy to discuss the available methods and what is most appropriate for your situation. For more information or to schedule an appointment, the Tribeca Oral Surgery office in Manhattan, New York at Tribeca Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, PLLC Phone Number 212-267-3300.