ANAESTHETIC OPTIONS
If your doctor or dentist recommends that you have wisdom tooth surgery, then you may be referred to a specialist Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon for this procedure. Wisdom tooth surgery can often be performed in the dental chair, with local anaesthetic or IV sedation. If your surgery is more complicated, you may need to have the operation performed at a private hospital.
LOCAL ANAESTHETIC
Local anaesthetics are injections that numb up the teeth and surrounding structures. Some wisdom tooth surgery can be done under local anaesthetic – for example, the removal of one wisdom tooth, where the procedure is expected to be straightforward.
INTRAVENOUS (IV) SEDATION
Intravenous (IV) sedation is also known as conscious sedation, or “twilight sedation”. It is a form of anaesthetic that helps relax you for your surgery, and is commonly used for minor procedures such as dental extractions and removal of wisdom teeth. At Focus Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, we have arranged for a specialist anaesthetist doctor to deliver this service in our surgery. Your surgeon will advise you whether IV sedation is appropriate for your procedure.
IV sedation is lighter than a general anaesthetic, and therefore most patients wake up and recover quickly once the procedure is complete.
GENERAL ANAESTHETIC
A general anaesthetic allows you to have your surgery performed while you are asleep. It involves a combination of medications to induce sleep, remove pain, and reduce movement during surgery. A specialist anaesthetist performs the anaesthetic procedure.
General anaesthetics are performed in a private hospital as day surgery procedures. You will be able to return home once you have recovered from the anaesthetic. This type of anaesthetic is suitable for patients who are very anxious, or do not wish to be awake for their surgery. Your surgeon may recommend that you have a general anaesthetic if your procedure is more complex.
Dr Huynh operates at the following hospitals:
Greenslopes Private Hospital >
Dr Breik operates at the following hospitals:
WHAT IS THE RECOVERY LIKE?
The medications that you are given for both IV sedation and general anaesthesia will take some time to wear off. You will be drowsy after your surgery, and you will need someone to care for you overnight. You will not be able to drive yourself home after surgery.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner