General Anesthesia for Oral Surgery in Sarasota
While there are many anesthesia options available for oral surgery, general anesthesia is reserved for the most complex or lengthy surgeries or when complete sedation is best for the patient’s comfort and safety. At Lakewood Ranch OMS, Dr. Lyman works closely with Dr. Andrea Esch, a board-certified anesthesiologist who provides general anesthesia in our surgical-center-based facility.
What is General Anesthesia?
General anesthesia is a medically induced state of unconsciousness that allows you to be asleep throughout your surgery. You are unaware of your surroundings, immobile, and do not feel any pain while under general sedation. Dr. Lyman often uses general anesthesia in Sarasota for surgery that involves multiple procedures or when a patient would be more comfortable being unconscious, or who has difficulty remaining immobile for any length of time.
How General Anesthesia Is Administered and Monitored
At our practice, general anesthesia is provided by Dr. Esch, who has been with us since we opened. She is a Diplomate of the American Board of Anesthesiology and is well known to our patients for her compassion and gentle touch. After meeting with you and Dr. Lyman to determine the appropriate form of general anesthesia, she will administer it through inhaled gas, an IV, or a combination of both, depending on your procedure and individual treatment plan.
Throughout your surgery, Dr. Esch closely monitors your heart rate, breathing, blood pressure, and oxygen levels to assure your safety and the appropriate level of sedation. We use the latest monitoring equipment and safety protocols to ensure optimal levels of general anesthesia without oversedation, enabling a quick recovery.
When We Use General Anesthesia
General Anesthesia for Specific Procedures
While many oral and facial surgeries can be performed using IV sedation or a local anesthesia, there are some procedures that require the complete unconsciousness provided by general anesthesia.
Lakewood Ranch OMS relies on general anesthesia for complex or lengthy oral and maxillofacial surgeries that require the patient to remain still for long stretches of time or to remain immobile for delicate procedures. If we are performing multiple surgeries in a single visit, general anesthesia facilitates the process.
General Anesthesia for Specific Patients
We also offer general anesthesia to our patients who have severe dental anxiety, sensory issues, or are neurodivergent. When a child or an elderly patient is unable to cooperate properly for treatment due to fear, lack of understanding, or a cognitive disability, general anesthesia in our Sarasota surgical center can allow us to achieve the desired results with less stress and risk to the patient.
Advantages of General Anesthesia at Lakewood Ranch
- Comfort: You are asleep and unaware of any procedure being performed. You do not feel any pain.
- Greater control: Dr. Lyman can complete complex procedures efficiently without concern about patient movement.
- Reduced stress: Patients feel less stress.
- Professional anesthesiologist: Dr. Esch’s administration of general anesthesia adds an additional layer of professional expertise and oversight to patient care.
General Anesthesia FAQs
Is general anesthesia safe for children?
Yes, particularly when administered by a licensed anesthesiologist like Dr. Esch, who is experienced in adjusting and monitoring medication dosages. When performing oral or maxillofacial surgery, it is crucial for your child to remain immobile, and general anesthesia allows us to perform intricate, delicate procedures safely.
Can I drive home after general anesthesia?
No. You will have some lingering drowsiness that can last as long as 24 hours after receiving general anesthesia. You will need someone to drive you home and keep an eye on you for the first day following surgery.
Are there side effects to general anesthesia?
Most side effects are mild and include dry mouth, shivering, grogginess, sore throat, muscle pain, and nausea upon waking. This usually passes within a few hours, although you may remain groggy for up to 24 hours. Do not operate machinery or make major decisions during this time.
We carefully evaluate each patient to determine whether general anesthesia is suitable for their oral surgery procedure. At your appointment, we will be happy to answer any questions you have and explain the process in detail. To schedule an appointment, please contact our office at Lakewood Ranch Oral and Facial Surgery Phone Number (941) 212-2328.