Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are extensively trained to safely and effectively administer anesthesia. In fact, they receive training in anesthesia and pain control – unique from any other specialty in the medical or dental fields. As a result, oral and maxillofacial surgeons have an unsurpassed office anesthesia record and can provide a cost-effective service to their patients.
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are also required to undergo additional ambulatory training throughout their residency programs, and are all trained in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS). They also participate in medical, surgical and anesthesia rotations to further develop critical pre-operative patient evaluations skills. All of their training is overseen by regular on-site inspections and re-certification – a volunteer program first established by the profession in 1967.
Patients find the use of anesthesia to be an uncomplicated, safe, and necessary service offered by their oral surgeon. Doctors can administer a local anesthesia or an I.V. sedation. Various procedures may require different types of anesthesia, which your doctor will discuss with you to meet your particular surgical needs. Commonly, your doctor will use a combination of both local and I.V sedation achieves the optimum results. During the procedure, patients have the ability to breathe on their own and leave the office with only minor assistance after the procedure.