Intravenous sedation is a modern technique to provide comprehensive control of pain and anxiety during surgical procedures. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are unique amongst the other dental and surgical specialties in their ability to provide intravenous sedation in an outpatient setting.
Following dental school, oral and maxillofacial surgeons spend a minimum of 4 to 6 years training in hospital-based surgical programs. This is where oral and maxillofacial surgeons spend several months learning the science and art of anesthesia rotating with medical anesthesiologists and providing outpatient.
They are trained in patient evaluation, airway management, endotracheal intubation, intravenous lines, post-anesthesia care and the management of complications and emergencies that may arise. As a result of their extensive training, oral and maxillofacial surgeons have a long history of safely providing anesthesia to their patients. Multiple studies have demonstrated that outpatient sedation administered by oral and maxillofacial surgeons is safe and associated with high levels of patient satisfaction.
During your initial consultation, your oral and maxillofacial surgeon will determine if you are a good candidate for intravenous sedation based on your medical history, level of anxiety, and the procedure required. Ultimately, the decision to receive sedation is a personal choice. Your oral and maxillofacial surgeon will be happy to discuss the options and help you make an informed decision.
On the day of surgery, you will be required to be fasting for eight hours prior to your procedure and be accompanied by someone to take you home. When you arrive at your surgeon’s office an intravenous line will be placed and sedative medications will be administered until a sufficient level of sedation is achieved for the given procedure and the patient’s specific needs. Following the procedure, the majority of patients will have little recollection of the surgery and can return home 30-60 minutes after the procedure.
