anesthesia

Dr. Guillen can perform a wide variety of procedures in his office setting, as well as in a hospital environment if necessary. Local anesthesia, nitrous oxide, intravenous sedation, and general anesthesia are options available in the oral and maxillofacial surgery office for the appropriate patient and treatment. Office surgery can be the most efficient and cost-effective way to perform many procedures while maintaining maximum patient comfort and safety.

In special cases hospital admission and/or outpatient hospital surgery is available.

WHAT IS LOCAL ANESTHESIA?

Local anesthesia involves administration of a “Novacaine” shot that numbs or freezes a small area so surgery can be performed without altering consciousness. Using only local anesthesia, the patient is completely alert and fully aware of his or her surroundings. Local anesthesia does not decrease the patient’s level of anxiety towards the surgical procedure. Local anesthesia is used in conjunction with the other methods of anesthesia in all oral surgery procedures.

WHAT IS NITROUS OXIDE SEDATION?

Nitrous oxide sedation can be a useful sedative and analgesic aid for oral surgery procedures. Nitrous oxide is a sweet smelling, non irritating, colorless gas which you can breathe through a nasal breathing apparatus. Nitrous Oxide is safe; the patient receives 50-70% oxygen with no less than 30% nitrous oxide. Patients remain conscious in a relaxed condition, and are able to breathe on their own and remain in control of all bodily functions. The patient may experience mild amnesia and may fall asleep not remembering all of what happened during their appointment.