For many oral surgery procedures, Dr. Chris Tye or your local oral surgeon will use sedation medications. These not only improve the patient experience, but help the surgeon to complete the procedure more quickly and effectively, since sedated patients are less likely to squirm in the dental chair. But some patients wonder if their oral surgeon can administer anesthesia, or whether an anesthesiologist should monitor their sedation. Below, we’re discussing two of the most commonly used sedation techniques in oral surgery, and why oral and maxillofacial surgeons are uniquely qualified to safely sedate patients for treatment.
If you are looking for an oral surgeon in the Colleyville, Southlake, or mid-cities area, consider Dr. Chris Tye. Dr. Tye prioritizes patient comfort, and has been helping fearful or anxious patients receive safe, compassionate treatment for years.
An Oral Surgeon’s Anesthesia Training
Many people do not know that oral surgeons, in addition to completing dental school, complete an additional four to six years of advanced training. To become “board-certified” as an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, a doctor must also complete hands-on hospital-based residencies. Oral surgeons spend time observing and learning in-depth anesthesia training during a residency with the Anesthesiology Department. Oral surgeons in training will administer anesthesia for a variety of procedures and a variety of patients, learning how to closely monitor patients while under sedation. They also learn how to administer life-saving medicine and care to patients under anesthesia, just as an anesthesiologist would.
In addition, all oral and maxillofacial surgeons must have a state-issued general anesthesia permit before opening a private practice or administering anesthesia to patients.
Anesthesia Options for Oral Surgery Patients
Since oral surgeons are uniquely qualified to safely administer anesthesia and monitor patients under sedation, they can offer additional anesthesia options that general dentists cannot. These include:
IV sedation: also known as intravenous sedation, this anesthesia is administered directly into a patient’s bloodstream. This means it is incredibly fast-acting. While some patients actually fall asleep with IV sedation, others remain awake, but in a very relaxed state. This type of anesthesia allows patient to continue breathing on their own during the entirety of the sedation. This moderate form of sedation is often combined with local anesthetics in the affected areas of the mouth or face which are undergoing treatment.
Some patients after receiving IV sedation have no memory of the procedure. Similar to general anesthesia (a more advanced form of sedation), IV sedation requires that patients receive a ride to and from their oral surgery appointment.
General anesthesia: this anesthesia is considered the deepest sedation technique, and is usually administered through an IV for oral surgery procedures. This sedation creates a deep sleep; therefore, patients are unable to respond to stimuli, and require breathing assistance. This is used for more invasive or lengthy procedures.
Oral surgeons will determine which sedation is best for patients, based on the procedure, the patient’s health history, and any patient anxiety or fear regarding the procedure.
Contact Chris Tye, D.D.S., M.D.
Dr. Chris Tye was the very first oral and maxillofacial surgeon in Tarrant County to graduate from both dental and medical school. You can trust Dr. Tye to provide safe and experienced sedation and care, no matter your oral procedure; he is well-versed in how to handle any complications if they arise during or after treatment. Contact us today at 817-552-3223 to schedule an initial consultation with Dr. Tye.
