Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons have advanced training in anesthesia to allow them to provide the utmost in patient quality care in the office setting. Office-based surgery is often the most efficient and cost effective way to perform many procedures while maintaining maximum patient comfort and safety.  Types of anesthesia from lightest to deepest are:

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• Local Anesthesia​

Use of a local anesthetics (such as lidocaine, bupivicaine, or mepivicaine) that is injected into the surgical area to decrease sensation of pain.

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• Nitrous Oxide Analgesia

Use inhaled nitrous oxide in conjunction with local anesthetic to decrease patient's pain associated with a dental procedure.  Nitrous oxide will not affect breathing or level of consciousness.

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• *Procedural Sedation (Intravenous Sedation, Moderate Sedation, "Twilight Sleep")

Use of intravenous medication to depress consciousness where an individual responds purposefully to verbal commands, maintains airway, ventilation, and cardiovascular function without support.

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• *Deep Sedation

Use of intravenous medication to depress consciousness during which an individual cannot be easily aroused but responds purposefully following repeated or painful stimulation.  Patient will be able to maintain cardiovascular function, but may require assistance maintaining airway, and ventilation.

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• *General Anesthesia

General anesthesia is a drug-induced loss of consciousness during which an individual is not arousable, even by painful stimulation.  Cardiovascular and respiratory function require assistance to maintain.

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*Most procedures that require and oral and maxillofacial surgery are done under sedation or general anesthesia.  Please contact our office at (706) 946-5015 to schedule a consultation regarding your procedure.  Dr. Pritchett will discuss your anesthesia requirements to perform your treatment in a safe and comfortable manner.

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