Anesthesia Options

At West Jersey Oral, Maxillofacial, & Dental Implant Surgery, we prioritize your complete comfort and safety throughout every procedure. We offer our patients a comprehensive range of modern anesthesia and sedation methods. Our surgeons carefully select and administer the best option for your specific needs, guaranteeing a relaxed, pain-free treatment experience.

Types of Anesthesia

We offer several levels of anesthesia and sedation to match the complexity of your procedure and your personal comfort requirements.

Local Anesthesia

Applied directly to the surgical site, local anesthesia thoroughly numbs the area, eliminating pain while you remain fully conscious and aware. It is typically used for less involved procedures where patient anxiety is minimal.

Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)

This mild sedation is achieved by inhaling nitrous oxide mixed with oxygen through a comfortable nasal mask. This option induces a state of calm relaxation while you remain awake and responsive. Its effects wear off very quickly, usually allowing you to drive yourself home after the procedure.

Intravenous (IV) Sedation

A deeper level of sedation administered directly into a vein is often called "twilight sleep." Suitable for more complex surgeries or for patients with moderate to significant anxiety, IV sedation induces profound relaxation where you are semi-conscious but unlikely to remember the procedure afterward.

General Anesthesia

This involves inducing a state of complete unconsciousness, rendering you fully asleep throughout the entire surgical procedure. General anesthesia is typically reserved for the most extensive oral surgeries or for patients with specific medical considerations or severe anxiety.

Your Safety is Our Top Priority

Regardless of the anesthesia type chosen, your safety remains our constant focus. Our experienced team continuously monitors your heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, and oxygen levels throughout your surgery. Before treatment, we conduct a thorough review of your complete medical history and current medications to determine the safest and most suitable option for you.

Can Oral Surgeons Perform Anesthesia?

Yes. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons undergo years of rigorous, hospital-based residency training beyond dental school. This includes comprehensive education and hands-on experience in safely administering the full range of anesthesia—from local anesthetic to IV sedation and general anesthesia—within an office setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which type of anesthesia is right for me? 

The best option depends on the complexity of your procedure and your personal comfort level. Our surgeons will discuss all available options with you during your consultation to select the one that is right for you.

Do I need someone to drive me home? 

If you are receiving local anesthesia or nitrous oxide only, you can typically drive yourself home. For any level of IV sedation or general anesthesia, you are legally required to have a responsible adult drive you home and stay with you for a period of time.

Do I need to do anything to prepare for anesthesia? 

Yes. For IV sedation and general anesthesia, you must not have anything to eat or drink for at least eight hours prior to your appointment. We will provide you with detailed pre-operative instructions well in advance of your surgery.