What Are The Different Types Of Anesthesia Used In Oral And Maxillofacial Surgery?

Oral and maxillofacial surgery can be painful when performed inappropriately. Luckily, oral surgeons use anesthesia to keep you from feeling pain during the surgery. Some anesthetic medications are designed to numb the brain to induce sleep, while others numb certain areas. The decision on which type of anesthesia to use may depend on your medical history, the surgeon’s preference, and the type of surgery you will undergo.

Types Of Anesthesia For Oral And Maxillofacial Surgery

General Anesthesia

General anesthesia induces unconsciousness. During this anesthesia, you’ll fall asleep. Thus, you will not be aware of the surgery and will not feel any pain. This medical treatment works by stopping the nerves from passing signals to the brain. It is usually reserved for extensive surgeries such as jaw reconstruction and fixing traumatic facial injuries. Before the oral surgeon administers general anesthesia in your body, they will check your medical history, lifestyle, and health, to see whether it fits you.

Local Anesthesia

Local anesthesia is injected directly into a specific area. For instance, the oral surgeon may inject it into the gums around the affected tooth. Local anesthesia is usually used for minor surgeries such as cavity filling. You will remain conscious, and you will feel the pleasure of the surgical instrument. However, you’ll not feel pain. Occasionally, this anesthesia is used in combination with nitrous oxide. A mask will be placed over your nose to allow you to breathe the nitrous oxide. With this gas, you will remain conscious and relaxed.

IV Sedation

Intravenous (IV) sedation involves initiating anti-anxiety medicine into the bloodstream. The oral and maxillofacial surgeon uses a small needle to introduce the medication via the vein. With this type of anesthesia, you’ll remain conscious. However, you’ll have very little memory of the surgery. It can be used for major dental surgeries such as root canals and wisdom teeth extraction.
Various anesthesia works best with certain oral and maxillofacial surgeries. The best anesthesia for OMS depends on your condition and your overall health.