Anesthesia

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• Anesthesia

Dr. Slott and his staff are trained, and have the knowledge and experience necessary to make your surgery as pleasant and comfortable as possible. Today’s technology provides a way to perform complex oral and maxillofacial surgery in an office setting with little or no discomfort to the patient. Becoming informed about the different anesthesia options will reduce your level of anxiety.

As a surgical specialist of the dental profession, Dr. Slott is trained in all aspects of anesthesia administration. Following dental school, Dr. Slott completed three years of training at Colombia University, Harlem Hospital Center. In this residency program he practiced with medical residents in general surgery and anesthesia. He completed a rotation on the medical anesthesiology service, becoming competent in evaluating patients for anesthesia, delivering anesthetics, and monitoring post anesthetic patients. His board certification by Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons also required hospital anesthesia training. He is a member of the Florida and American Dental Society of Anesthesiology and he holds a permit by the Florida Board of Dentistry to practice anesthesia in his office setting which is inspected by the state of Florida. As a result of his extensive training, Dr. Slott is well prepared to identify, diagnose, and assess the source of pain and anxiety and to appropriately administer local anesthesia, all forms of sedation/general anesthesia. He is experienced in airway management, endotracheal intubation, establishing intravenous lines, and managing complications or emergencies that may arise during the administration of anesthesia.

Prior to surgery, a consultation is made for the patient to meet with the doctor. This is an opportunity to discuss any concerns about surgery or anesthesia options. One or more options of local anesthesia, nitrous oxide-oxygen, intravenous sedation or general anesthesia may be used to control your pain and anxiety. Our goal is to provide a comfortable and pleasant surgical experience in a safe environment. Pain medications will also be prescribed to make the post operative experience comfortable at home as well.

Types of anesthesia for your consideration:

Local anesthesia (otherwise known as novocaine) is a series of dental injections which numbs the mouth in preparation for oral surgery. The injections follow the painting of the gums with a topical anesthetic which numbs the oral tissues so that discomfort is minimized while local anesthesia is administered. Our patients may use just local anesthesia for their surgery or they may use it in conjunction with Nitrous Oxide or IV sedation. Regardless of the choice, local anesthesia is always administered prior to surgery.

Nitrous Oxide (otherwise known as laughing gas), a combination of nitrous oxide mixed with oxygen, is inhaled through the nose by a mask that is placed over the nose for the duration of the surgery. This gas makes the patient feel relaxed. It takes the edge off any apprehension that may be experienced. With Nitrous Oxide the patient is still aware of the procedure in that he or she is in control of his or her senses, which means he or she can both hear and see the procedure being performed. Remember, local anesthesia is still administered with this option. This option is good for patients with mild apprehension.

Intravenous Sedation is a combination of drugs administered intravenously. The drugs usually include Valium/Versed, Brevital, and Demerol. Local anesthesia is used after the patient is sedated. The I.V. is started before the procedure begins and is removed postoperatively. With I.V. sedation the patient experiences a twilight sleep. Once the I.V. is in place, the patient drifts off into a light sleep. Following the procedure, he or she wakes up with little or no recollection of the surgery.

Which choice is best for you?

Local anesthesia, alone, may suffice if you are not the least bit apprehensive about the procedure. However, if you are not at ease or comfortable with dental procedures, then nitrous oxide with the local anesthesia may be appropriate; as long as you are not overly apprehensive.

If you are anxious at the thought of oral surgery and desire more than light relaxation, or have not had much dental work done, then sedation is recommended as the best alternative to ensure a positive experience at our office. Approximately 80% of patients prefer I.V. sedation.

We’d be glad to discuss our anesthesia options with you. Please feel free to call with any questions. The more informed you are about your procedure and our anesthesia practices, the more comfortable your experience will be.