For most people, the thought of surgery is a classic anxiety producer. It is natural to fear the unknown, and wonder whether a procedure will hurt. The good news is that today’s technology makes it possible to perform complex surgeries in our office setting with little or no discomfort to the patient.
Since the earliest days of oral & maxillofacial surgery, this specialty has been distinguished by safe and effective outpatient anesthesia. Here at Crystal Lake/Lake Geneva/Huntley/Burlington OMS, our surgeons are trained in all aspects of anesthesia administration. On our OMS Patient Information page, you can find out more about the training and qualifications of our oral & maxillofacial surgeons.
What is the difference between IV Sedation and General Anesthesia?
The main difference between these types of sedation is that under General Anesthesia, the anesthesia provider controls your breathing with a tube that is inserted into your windpipe. Under IV Sedation, you are breathing on your own.
Will I feel anything under IV Sedation?
Under IV Sedation, there are levels of sedation the patient goes through before becoming fully conscious. Because of that, and because the patient can breathe and move on their own, both the surgeon and the anesthesiologist are aware of discomfort way before the patient becomes conscious of it. As a result, they can respond appropriately by giving more local anesthetic (injections that numb the area), or increasing the level of sedation.
IV Sedation is designed to relax you, eliminating anxiety and pain, and making you completely comfortable. Your doctor will discuss with you whether this type of anesthesia is appropriate for you, carefully considering the procedure as well as your health history and your particular needs. As always, our doctors and staff are happy to discuss this with you and answer any of your questions.