Anesthesia & Sedation Dentistry in Norton Shores, MI
Prioritizing Your Comfort & Safety
General anesthesia is typically done in a hospital or surgery center and is reserved for advanced or lengthy surgical procedures, such as jaw surgery or facial trauma reconstruction. Many people feel nervous about undergoing oral surgery, which is a completely normal response to any type of surgical procedure. At Breakwater Oral Maxillofacial Surgery & Dental Implants, we want patients to feel at ease and educated about their upcoming treatment and understand that our team is dedicated to providing a safe, comfortable, and positive oral surgery experience.
Dr. Larson is a dual-degree oral surgeon and physician and has undergone extensive training to administer anesthesia safely. He offers many anesthesia and sedation options and maintains certifications in ACLS, PALS, ATLS, and BLS. During your first visit, Dr. Larson will discuss your anesthesia options and help you choose the right type for your level of anxiety and the complexity of your procedure.
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry involves using anesthesia or sedation to safely and comfortably perform dental procedures, including oral and maxillofacial surgery. The goal of sedation dentistry is to help patients feel relaxed during treatment while reducing pain. Some patients avoid the care they need because of anxiety or fear, and with sedation dentistry, we can provide comfortable and calm surgical experiences while creating a positive relationship with dental care.
Sedation dentistry is beneficial for children and adults who experience:
- General anxiety
- Fear of needles
- Strong gag reflex
- Tooth sensitivity
- Low pain threshold
- Difficulty sitting still for long periods of time
- Require multiple procedures or a lengthy surgery
Sedation is safe and effective for many patients. If you have avoided oral surgery because of these reasons, we invite you to contact us. Dr. Larson understands these feelings and will work with you to choose the right anesthesia option.
Can Any Dentist Administer Sedation?
Most general dentists can administer local anesthesia and nitrous oxide for simple tooth extractions or when responding to a dental emergency. However, they are not required to undergo training for IV sedation or general anesthesia like oral surgeons, who are the most qualified dental experts to administer anesthesia. After dental school, oral surgeons complete an additional 4–6 years of hands-on training and learn how to administer anesthesia in a hospital setting. If a patient requires more advanced sedation for surgery, dentists will refer the patient to an oral surgeon.
Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?
When performed by a trained oral and maxillofacial surgeon, sedation dentistry is a safe and effective way to receive the oral surgery care you need. Dr. Larson is both an oral surgeon and a physician, so he is highly qualified to administer all types of anesthesia while monitoring a patient’s health and safety during surgery. During the consultation, we go over your health history and any medications or conditions that could interfere with the use of sedation to ensure your safety throughout the anesthesia experience.
Benefits of Sedation Dentistry
By offering sedation for oral surgery, we help nervous patients receive the care they need in a calm and comfortable environment. When patients have positive experiences, they are more likely to undergo future treatment with less anxiety. Patients who have experienced traumatic dental procedures in the past often find that with the use of sedation, oral surgery and dental care can be quick, comfortable, and even enjoyable.
How to Prepare for Sedation Dentistry
If anesthesia or sedation is a part of your treatment, we will provide you with instructions to follow before your procedure. These instructions include what to eat or drink before surgery, when to take medications, and more. It’s important to follow these instructions closely. Your compliance with pre-operative instructions will contribute to a safe and smooth surgical procedure.
Questions before surgery? Contact Breakwater Oral Maxillofacial Surgery & Dental Implants and a member of our staff will be happy to help!