Anesthesia
Several methods of anesthesia are available. The method of anesthesia that is chosen for or by a patient depends upon the nature of the surgical procedure and the patient’s level of apprehension. The following table illustrates the choices of anesthesia, a description of the anesthetic technique, and the usual indications for that technique.
| Method of Anesthesia | Description of Technique | Usual Indications |
| Local Anesthetic | The patient remains totally conscious throughout the procedure. A local anesthetic (e.g. lidocaine) is administered in the area where the surgery is to be performed. Local anesthetic is used in conjunction with the other methods of anesthesia in all oral surgery procedures. | Simple oral surgery procedures such as minor soft tissue procedures and simple tooth extractions. |
| Nitrous Oxide Sedation with Local Anesthetic | A mixture of nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and oxygen is administered through a nasal breathing apparatus. The patient remains conscious in a relaxed condition. Nitrous oxide has a sedative and analgesic (pain-controlling) effect. | Simple oral surgery procedures to more involved procedures such as removal of wisdom teeth and placement of dental implants. |
| Office Based General Anesthesia with Local Anesthetic* | Medications are administered through an intravenous line (I.V.). The patient falls asleep and is completely unaware of the procedure being performed. Medications most commonly used are Fentanyl (opiate), Versed (benzodiazepine), Ketamine, and Diprivan. Supplemental oxygen is delivered through a nasal breathing apparatus and the patient’s vital signs are closely monitored. | General anesthesia is available for all types of oral surgery. A patient may choose general anesthesia for simple procedures depending on their level of anxiety. Most people having their wisdom teeth removed or having a dental implant placed will choose general anesthesia. General anesthesia may be necessary if local anesthesia fails to anesthetize the surgical site which often occurs in the presence of infection. |
| Hospital or Surgery Center Based General Anesthesia | A patient is admitted to a hospital or surgery center where anesthesia is administered by an anesthesiologist. | Indicated for patients undergoing extensive procedures such as face and jaw reconstruction and TMJ surgery. Also indicated for patients with medical conditions such as heart disease or lung disease who require general anesthesia. |
To administer general anesthesia in the office, an oral surgeon must have completed at least three months of hospital-based anesthesia training. Qualified applicants will then undergo an in-office evaluation by a state dental board-appointed examiner. The examiner observes an actual surgical procedure during which general anesthesia is administered to the patient. The examiner also inspects all monitoring devices and emergency equipment and tests the doctor and the surgical staff on anesthesia-related emergencies. If the examiner reports successful completion of the evaluation process, the state dental board will issue the doctor a license to perform general anesthesia. The license is renewable every two years if the doctor maintains the required amount of continuing education units related to anesthesia.
Again, when it comes to anesthesia, our first priority is the patient’s comfort and safety. If you have any concerns regarding the type of anesthesia that will be administered during your oral surgery procedure, please do not hesitate to discuss your concerns with your doctor at the time of your consultation.
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Intravenous Sedation (“Twilight Sedation”)
Our office offers our patients the option of Intravenous Sedation or Dental Intravenous Anesthesia or to some, it is referred to as “Twilight Sedation” for their dental treatment. Intravenous Sedation or “twilight sleep” helps you to be comfortable and calm when undergoing dental procedures. Your treatment can be completed under intravenous sedation. Intravenous sedation or “IV sedation” (twilight sedation) is designed to better enable you to undergo your dental procedures while you are very relaxed; it will enable you to tolerate as well as not remember those procedures that may be very uncomfortable for you. IV sedation will essentially help alleviate the anxiety associated with your treatment. You may not always be asleep but you will be comfortable, calm, and relaxed, drifting in and out of sleep – a “twilight sleep”.
If you choose the option of intravenous sedation your IV sedation/anesthesia is administered and monitored by the doctor, therefore, eliminating the costly expense of having your treatment carried out in an operating room or same-day surgical facility.
How is the IV Sedation Administered?
A thin needle will be introduced into a vein in your arm or hand. The needle will be attached to an intravenous tube through which medication will be given to help you relax and feel comfortable. At times a patient’s vein may not be maintainable, in these situations, the medications will be administered and the needle retrieved – both scenarios will achieve the same desired level of conscious sedation. Once again some patients may be asleep while others will slip in and out of sleep. Some patients with medical conditions and/or on specific drug regimens may only be lightly sedated and may not sleep at all.
The goal of IV sedation is to use as little medication as possible to get the treatment completed. It is very safe, much safer than oral sedation. With IV sedation a constant “drip” is maintained via the intravenous tube. At any time an antidote can be administered to reverse the effects of the medications if necessary. Along with IV sedation, there are also other different “levels” of sedation available to you in our office. There is nitrous oxide analgesia.
Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
Nitrous Oxide is a sweet-smelling, non-irritating, colorless gas that you can breathe. Nitrous Oxide has been the primary means of sedation in dentistry for many years. Nitrous oxide is safe; the patient receives 50-70% oxygen with no less than 30% nitrous oxide. Patients 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.
There are many advantages to using Nitrous Oxide
- The depth of sedation can be altered at any time to increase or decrease sedation.
- There is no after effect such as a “hangover”.
- Inhalation sedation is safe with no side effects on your heart and lungs, etc.
- Inhalation sedation is very effective in minimizing gagging.
- It works rapidly as it reaches the brain within 20 seconds. In as few as 2-3 minutes, its relaxation and pain-killing properties develop.
Reasons to not use Nitrous Oxide
Though there are no major contraindications to using nitrous oxide, you may not want to use it if you have emphysema, exotic chest problems, M.S., a cold, or other difficulties with breathing. You may want to ask your dentist for a “5-minute trial” to see how you feel with this type of sedation method before proceeding.
Charlotte Oral Surgery
Patient Review by juliann R
The staff was very helpful as I has to have several teeth pulled on an emergemcy timeline. Grateful to all for this so I could go on a cruise with all my teeth! Bon Voyage
- juliann R
Patient Review by Aaron T
I would've never thought I would've been so happy getting a tooth extracted, The level of service they provided and the overall customer experience was amazing. My son have to get his wisdom teeth pulled, he's definitely coming to these guys. I never wrote a review before, but this team was great. I would strongly recommend using them in the future.
- Aaron T
Patient Review by DAVE L
Had urgent extractions that were more complicated than I thought would be. Excellent care & treatment. Highly recommend Dr. Moore and his staff
- DAVE L
Patient Review by GERALD W
The facility was very clean, they take covid 19 guidelines very serious, they took your temperature once you enter the facility also they had a sanitize station available to wipe your hands, and they didn't allow you to used the same pin after someone else. The staff who were working in the front office was very friendly . Dr. Ken Moore was awesome. Once I was taken to the back for my examine / assessment of my tooth extraction , Dr. Kent Moore thoroughly explain the procedure in layman terms, he did a great job and my recover was quick, no pain after surgery and minimum pain after the anesthesia wore off. Thank you Dr. Ken and your wonderful staff members that you continue to praise and give all the credit to they were awesome as well.
- GERALD W
Patient Review by Angela C. C
I had lip surgery in 2017. Dr. Moore performed it patiently and meticulously. The recovery period was stressful but, the outcome was better than I expected.
- Angela C. C
Patient Review by Marion Portet A
Excellent service. Everyone from reception area, nurses to the Doctor are very caring, courteous, friendly and helpful. Doctor Moore takes the time to explain procedures fully.
- Marion Portet A
Patient Review by Tina N
I had a great experience with this office. The doctor gave me options before my surgery, made me feel comfortable and answered all my questions. He did an amazing job for the procedure I had done. The office staff was outstanding - took great care of me, even called me the next day to see how I was feeling. I would definitely recommend this doctor and staff very highly.
- Tina N
Patient Review by Sarah D
The doctor and staff were excellent and I appreciate the good care. I would like to note that when someone is anxious about having work done, the ongoing loop on the TV of dental procedures is NOT helpful. It actually made me more nervous about the appointment. Please consider playing something else in the waiting room. Thank you.
- Sarah D
Patient Review by Sherena D
This was my first time ever getting a tooth pull. And I must said I would recommend this oral surgeon to anyone. I follow the instructions that was giving to me and I had no pain at all.
- Sherena D
Patient Review by Kevin N
The doctor was very knowledgeable, honest, and friendly, and the support of the staff made the whole process extremely simple.
- Kevin N
Patient Review by Bonnie H
Overall this was my second time visiting the office for a tooth extraction and I would highly recommend Dr Moore and Charlotte Oral Surgery for your dental surgery needs with no hesitation. Thanks Dr. Kent E. Moore !
- Bonnie H
Patient Review by Ken F
I am very pleased with Dr. Moore and his staff. Dr. Moore explained my particular process completely. I had local anesthesia and Dr. Moore kept me informed as to his progress. In my situation, I needed additional care after Dr. Moore had opened up the problem area. I had been informed of this possibility ahead of time, so I was completely at ease about this. Postoperatively, I was given complete information about what to expect as the area healed. Also, I was given a "goodie bag" with gauze packs and SockIt! to help with my postop care. Additionally, other small touches indicated concern for my wellbeing. In the lobby, a monitor played a loop of information about proper dental care. On the way to my procedure, the staff asked me if I would like to use the restroom, rather than me having to ask them. The restroom is private and spotless, which I appreciated.
- Ken F
Patient Review by Nolan C
Dr. Moore and his staff were outstanding, courteous and professional. I felt that my two extractions and comfort were their top priorities. If I need an oral surgeon in the future, it will definitely be with Dr. Moore.
- Nolan C
Patient Review by Marc B
Doctor Moore and his staff are amazing. This is the second time I had visited their office for a procedure and the level of service is SOS simply outrageous service
- Marc B
Patient Review by Isabel B
Dr. Moore and staff took excellent care of me before, during and after surgery. Having wisdom teeth out at age 11 is very scary. But they were gentle and held my hand thru it all. Recovery was a breeze. Thank you Dr. Moore.
- Isabel B
Patient Review by Daniel P
Very pleasant experience. Very professional and efficient staff.
- Daniel P
Patient Review by Julianna W
I didn't know an oral surgeon in Charlotte so I searched the internet and I'm glad I choose Dr Moore. He was very understanding and gentle and told me everything he was doing. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be.
- Julianna W
Patient Review by Hank W
I was surprised at how smoothly the entire process was.
- Hank W
Patient Review by Casey B
Doctor Moore and staff were funny and friendly, and helped make the wisdom tooth experience more enjoyable.
- Casey B
Patient Review by Melissa H
Dr. Moore exceeded my expectations. His staff was friendly and made my daughter feel safe and confident in what they were doing. They treated my 16 yr old with respect and took her anxiety concerns serious.
- Melissa H