For many people thoughts of dental surgery and anxiety go hand in hand. Typically, an individual is most concerned with possible pain- whether the procedure is going to hurt. Modern anesthesia technology makes it possible to perform surgery in the office with little or no discomfort. Knowing this should help to bring your anxiety level down to a minimum. The less you worry, the easier your procedure will be.
All accredited oral and maxillofacial surgery programs are hospital based residencies at least 4 years (after dental school) in duration. The training includes extensive schooling in the medical aspects of anesthesia through the hospital’s anesthesiology service. Oral & maxillofacial surgery graduates are qualified to administer general anesthesia. A general anesthesia permit has been issued to Dr. Hooe and North Sound Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery by the State of Washington.
Several types of anesthesia are used at North Sound Oral Surgery, including local anesthesia, nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral sedation (sedative tablets) and intravenous anesthesia. Outpatient general anesthesia is administered through an IV and does not involve a 'breathing tube' or respirator. There is a short recovery time. Patients are usually ready to go home within 30 minutes and the complications of nausea and vomiting are quite rare. For complex cases, Dr. Hooe will work with a CRNA (certified registered nurse anesthetist) in the office, or, perform the procedure in a local hospital operating room.