Types of Anesthesia
- LOCAL ANESTHESIA is routinely used for each surgical procedure. It will produce a numb feeling in the area being operated on. Feelings of pressure and vibration during surgery are not eliminated. You will be awake and able to recall the surgery, but there should be no significant discomfort. Your level of comfort during surgery can be vastly improved with the addition of another type of anesthesia.
- NITROUS OXIDE is also known as “laughing gas.” You will be relaxed and somewhat less aware of your surroundings, but will recall most of the surgical events. Nitrous oxide is generally used in conjunction with local anesthesia, but may also be used as a supplement to the anesthetic choices below.
- ORAL PREMEDICATION is taken by mouth to produce relaxation before and during your operation.
- INTRAVENOUS SEDATION: General anesthetic medications are given through a tiny plastic tube placed into an arm or hand vein causing you to “go to sleep”. You continue to breath on your own. There will be very little to no recall of the events surrounding surgery.
- GENERAL ANESTHESIA: Anesthetic gases are delivered through a breathing tube resulting in a total loss of consciousness, paralysis, a lack of recall of the surgical event, and usually a longer recovery time. This is performed in a hospital or surgery center.