Office Based Anesthesia

The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS) recognizes that many patients may be concerned about the administration of anesthesia when undergoing oral and max­illofacial surgery treatment. The ultimate goal of AAOMS and its 6,000 member oral and maxillofacial surgeons is to provide in a safe manner the highest quality of patient care. For this reason, methods to ensure patient safety and protect patients from undue risk have long been the standard in the education and practice of oral and maxillofacial surgeons.

Oral and maxillofacial surgery is a specialty of dentistry. An oral and maxillofacial surgeon is a dentist who has gone on to complete a minimum of four years of postdoctoral education and surgical residency training. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are thoroughly trained in the proper administration of anes­thetic agents. Your oral and maxillofacial surgeon is knowl­edgeable in pain and anxiety control and possesses extensive clinical experience in anesthesia techniques, including intravenous (IV) sedation, and local anes­thesia.

General anesthesia, IV sedation, or local anesthesia as well as virtually all drugs, medication and treatments carry an in­herent risk. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons have been in the forefront to promote regulations and parameters of care for anesthesia delivery to help reduce this risk to a minimum. Ongoing voluntary self-regulation of the specialty and its member oral and maxillofacial surgeons has helped reduce this risk to patients even further.

No one should refrain from obtaining needed oral health care out of fear of anesthesia. It is important to realize that there is very little risk of anesthesia complications in the oral and maxillofacial surgery office that follows established guidelines.

If you have questions or concerns about anesthesia, discuss them with your oral and maxillofacial surgeon. He or she will be happy to explain the procedures followed in the office.