Anesthesia Options

Anesthesia options

Our welcoming staff is devoted to taking care of our patients, which means we want to make sure you are comfortable throughout your procedure with us. In doing so, Beech & Reid Oral & Dental Implant Surgery offers local and intravenous anesthesia to help our patients feel safe and at peace. During your consultation appointment, your treatment and anesthesia options will be discussed in-depth with you. There are several factors to help determine which type of anesthesia should be considered, such as your anxiety level, medical history, and type of procedure. Our board-certified oral surgeons, Dr. Beech and Dr. Reid, are here to assist you through a positive oral surgery experience from start to finish.

Types of anesthesia

Both of our locations offer several options of in-office anesthesia and sedation options to maximize your comfort and experience with us during treatment.

  • Local anesthesia. Also called lidocaine, this is used in all oral surgeries, usually in conjunction with another form of anesthesia. When applied directly to the surgical site, lidocaine quickly numbs the area and blocks pain.
  • Nitrous oxide. Also known as laughing gas, this is a mixed agent that is inhaled through a small mask that fits over your nose. This relaxes patients with the pleasurable feeling of laughter and works quickly, making it a highly effective local sedation method.
  • Conscious sedation. This is a combination of nitrous oxide and Valium®. With this form of sedation, you are drifting in and out of consciousness while the sensation and feeling of pain are removed. If you are going to receive conscious sedation, you must not have anything to eat or drink other than prescription medication for 2 hours prior. You must also arrange for a responsible adult to drive you to and from the procedure.
  • In-office general anesthesia. This method of anesthesia will cause you to be unconscious and unaware of the procedure being performed. It is used for more complex surgeries and is the most common option for wisdom teeth removal, though it may be requested in special cases. If you are going to undergo general anesthesia, it is important not to have anything to eat or drink except prescription medication for at least 8 hours prior. A designated driver must be present to drive you home after your procedure.

Our office will provide you with specific pre- and post-operative instructions before your procedure so that you can be aware of exactly what will happen and what you can expect. We also provide instructions on our website so that you have the information you need at your fingertips. It is very important to follow all the instructions provided by Dr. Beech and Dr. Reid.

If you need any help, please contact us so that we may answer your questions and provide compassionate care even when you’re not inside our office. Similarly, please contact our office if you have been referred for oral surgery or if you would like to request a consultation. At Beech & Reid Oral & Dental Implant Surgery, your care is our top priority.

EXPAREL® for extended pain relief after oral surgery

A single dose of EXPAREL administered during surgery provides long-lasting pain relief, so patients can manage their post-operative discomfort without the use of opioids. Learn more about this non-narcotic alternative by visiting our EXPAREL page.