Nervous About Oral Surgery? How Our Anesthesia Options Ensure a Pain-Free Experience

While the team at Cannon Oral Surgery strives to make every oral surgery experience as comfortable and enjoyable as possible, we also understand that many of our patients don’t really look forward to these visits. 

One of the best things about living in the Chattanooga, Tennessee, area is the access you have to world-class dental services, including the offerings available through our practice. 

We’re pleased to shed some light on some of the tools and techniques we use to keep you comfortable and calm during your oral surgery visit. 

Nitrous oxide: The gold standard

Most of our patients are familiar with nitrous oxide in dental care. This odorless, clear gas delivers a mild euphoric effect, helping you relax during your dental treatments. 

We deliver the gas through a mask or cannula you put on just before your oral surgery begins. It only takes a few breaths before the effects kick in. For most people, nitrous oxide creates a deep sense of calm. 

You’ll still be able to hear Dr. Cannon’s instructions and respond if he needs you to open your mouth, rinse, or perform other tasks. But you might feel sleepy during the visit, and may even nod off a bit during your oral surgery. The effects of nitrous oxide begin wearing off as soon as you stop breathing the gas. 

Oral sedation: A deeper sense of relaxation

Oral sedation involves taking a prescription medication an hour or so before your procedure. The medication relaxes you and helps you get through your visit without anxiety. 

Like with nitrous oxide, you might feel sleepy or even nap during your procedure, but you can easily be roused if needed. The most important thing to remember with oral sedation is to let our team know about any other medications you take or health issues you’re experiencing to avoid the risk of negative drug interactions. 

If you choose oral sedation, you’ll need to have someone with you during your visit. You won’t be able to drive yourself home, as it takes several hours for the effects of the medication to wear away. 

General sedation: Total relaxation

For people who experience dental phobias or who need complex or lengthy oral surgery, general anesthesia may be a good fit. This option delivers medication intravenously, using a thin needle attached to surgical tubing and a soft bag of saline and anesthetic medication. 

It takes just seconds to place the IV and get the medication flowing into your bloodstream. The effects develop even faster, delivering a state of deep rest and relaxation almost immediately. You likely won’t remember anything about your procedure, and when you wake up, it will be over. 

Not everyone is a good candidate for general anesthesia, but Dr. Cannon can discuss your specific needs and guide you toward the option that’s right for you. 

Sedation is for anxiety, not pain

We want to be clear: no matter which form of anesthesia you select, we always administer numbing medication before oral surgery. Anesthesia is provided to manage anxiety, not pain. With some procedures, you may feel pressure, but pain is not part of the equation, even if you don’t receive any form of anesthesia. 

When it’s time to schedule your oral surgery, we encourage you to reach out to the Cannon Oral Surgery team at a time that’s convenient for you. You’re always welcome to give us a call during normal business hours, or you can use our online booking service around the clock.