From simple treatments to complex procedures, every patient deserves to feel safe and comfortable. At North Sound Oral & Facial Surgery, we offer several types of anesthesia to assist you during any oral surgery procedure. Dr. Brar will determine your options for anesthesia in advance of your surgery. He will make his decision on the right anesthesia option for you based on several factors, such as health history, personal preference, and type of surgical procedure.
Types of Anesthesia
We offer several types of anesthesia or sedation, including
- Local anesthesia. When local anesthesia is used, the sedative is injected directly into the site to numb the area. The patient is conscious during the procedure but cannot feel any pain associated with the surgical site. This anesthetic is often used with other types of sedation, such as nitrous oxide.
- Nitrous oxide. Also known as laughing gas, nitrous oxide is a popular option for patients who wish to feel more relaxed during their procedure. This type of sedative is inhaled and allows patients to remain conscious. It is often used with local anesthesia.
- Intravenous (IV) sedation. For wisdom teeth removal and dental implant patients, IV sedation is a common anesthetic option. The anesthetic is administered directly into a vein to allow the medicine to take effect quickly. Under IV sedation, the patient enters a relaxed and sleep-like state but is not completely unconscious. Amnesia is a common side effect of IV sedation — most patients do not recall undergoing their procedure.
- Hospital or Surgery Center-Based General Anesthesia. Complicated or extensive procedures often require general anesthesia in a surgery center or hospital setting. General anesthesia is administered by an anesthesiologist. Patients are completely unconscious during their procedure.
- Exparel. Exparel is a unique option for patients worried about taking opioid pain medication after surgery. Exparel works by decreasing or eliminating pain starting during surgery and continuing through to recovery, therefore reducing your need for post-surgery narcotics.
Exparel® for Post-Surgical Pain Relief
Today, oral surgery patients have a powerful choice for controlling their post-operative pain that does not put them at risk for narcotic dependence and overdose from prescription opioid-based pain medications. At North Sound Oral & Facial Surgery in Anacortes, WA, we are proud to offer Exparel to our patients — an opioid-free solution for controlling post-operative pain. Exparel is used in addition to your chosen method of anesthesia to effectively control pain after your surgery is over and your anesthesia has worn off.
Exparel is a clinically proven medicine administered locally to your surgical site that controls post-operative pain for several days into your recovery. It is safe and effective, and it often eliminates the need for prescription narcotic pain medications during your recovery time. You will be given the opportunity to choose Exparel to help manage your post-operative pain when you meet with Dr. Brar for your consultation appointment. When you choose Exparel, you can enjoy the following benefits:
- The need to fill additional pain prescriptions is often eliminated.
- There is no risk of opioid dependence and withdrawal — Exparel is opioid-free.
- You will not experience a gap in pain-control — Exparel is already working to manage your pain when your anesthesia wears off!
Exparel in Anacortes, WA
We are excited to offer this pain-relief solution to our North Sound Oral & Facial Surgery patients. Our team is dedicated to helping combat the opioid crisis in our country — for more information about Exparel and its benefits, Dr. Brar will be happy to discuss this medication with you during your consultation appointment.
Anesthesia Options in Anacortes, WA
The safe administration of anesthesia requires extensive training. Oral surgeons receive years of additional training after dental school to perform the entire scope of oral and maxillofacial surgery procedures, including anesthesia. At North Sound Oral & Facial Surgery, Dr. Brar is highly qualified to administer anesthesia safely, and his surgical staff is trained in assisting him. If you require any oral or maxillofacial surgery procedure, Dr. Brar will discuss your treatment plan and anesthesia options to provide safe and effective patient care.