Anesthesia

 

The method of anaesthesia that is chosen for or by a patient depends upon the nature of the surgical procedure and the patient’s level of apprehension. Our specialist anaesthetists are available for consultations to discuss your proposed treatment as required.

Several methods of anaesthesia are available. The following table illustrates the choices of anaesthesia, a description of the anaesthetic technique, and the usual indications for that technique.

Method of Anaesthesia Description of Technique Usual Indications
Local Anaesthesia The patient remains totally conscious throughout the procedure. A local anaesthetic (e.g. lignocaine) is administered in the area where the surgery is to be performed. Local anaesthesia is frequently used in conjunction with the other methods of anesthesia in all oral surgery procedures. Simple oral surgery procedures such as minor soft tissue procedures and simple tooth extractions.
Oral Sedation with Local Anaesthesia Oral medications are administered often an hour or so prior to the procedure. Usually these are benzodiazepams such as Temazepam Simple oral surgery procedures to more involved procedures such as removal of wisdom teeth and placement of dental implants.
Hospital Based General Anaesthesia. A patient is admitted to hospital where anaesthesia is administered by a specialist anaesthetist. Available for all types of oral surgery from simple wisdom teeth or implant surgery through to extensive procedures such as face and jaw reconstruction and TMJ surgery. Also indicated for patients with medical conditions such as heart disease or lung disease who require hospital based treatment.