Anesthesia in Northern Virginia
Our team of oral and maxillofacial surgeons have each received extensive training and have years of experience in a wide variety of anesthetic techniques designed to make your surgical experience both safe and comfortable. Patients in good health may select techniques ranging from nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. Patients having more complex procedures, such as multiple extractions or removal of impacted teeth, frequently prefer intravenous sedation and/or general anesthesia. Patients will be continuously monitored using the latest equipment, and our doctors are trained in basic and advanced life support. Patients requesting sedation/general anesthesia may not eat or drink for six hours prior to their appointment, and will need an escort present in the office to drive them home. When scheduling your appointment, please notify us of any medical problems or medications being used so that we can determine whether sedation/general anesthesia can be utilized.
What is local anesthetic?
An injection into the gum surrounding the tooth that numbs the surgical area, much like a routine anesthetic your dentist gives before a filling.
What is nitrous oxide-oxygen?
Sometimes referred to as “laughing gas,” this is designed to relax you for the procedure.
What is sedation?
For increased relaxation, you may be given a sedative (either in pill form or by IV).
What is general anesthesia?
In this approach, you are put to sleep completely during your surgical procedure. After a recovery period in our dedicated recovery area, you may go home. We require that an escort be present in the office to drive you home.
Will I need to take time off from work?
In most cases, it is necessary for patients to take off the day following surgery to recover. You should also avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours. Depending on the type of anesthetic used, you may be unable to drive for a period of time (12 hours for intravenous sedation and for 24 hours for general anesthetic).
Which offices offer anesthesia during oral surgery?
Anesthesia for oral surgery is offered at all three of our offices: Annandale, Manassas, and Woodbridge.
