Office anesthesia/IV sedation for wisdom teeth/dental implants
We will be attending the American Association of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons 93rd annual meeting in Philadelphia next week. One of the highlights will be sessions on updates in the delivery of anesthesia/sedation in the office environment. Oral surgeons have a long history of innovation and safety in the delivery of anesthesia in the dental office. We are unique in that Oral & Maxillofacial surgeons are the only medical/surgical specialists that undergo at least 6 months of fulltime hospital based anesthesia training. No other medical/surgical specialty that provides intravenous anesthesia along with surgical or invasive procedures (radiography,endoscopy etc.) has this extensive anesthesia training.
Oral & Maxillofacial surgeons in the State of Michigan are required to undergo an office anesthesia evaluation every 5 years. The evaluation includes an objective survey of facilities, resuscitative equipment and drugs necessary to provide office anesthesia services. Oral & Maxillofacial surgeons are also required to provide documention of certification in Basic Life Support (CPR) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (Defibrillation and resuscitation of cardiac arrest including advanced airway techniques).
The topics to be covered in the Philadelphia meeting anesthesia sessions will include innovations in anesthetic drug delivery as well as risk assessment regarding treatment of medically compromised patients. With the rise in obesity and related diseases, more patients are are being seen that require modifications in anesthetic management. Often this means local anesthesia, minimal IV conscious sedation or, treatment in a hospital outpatient center.
Patients that have concerns about anesthetic management are advised to schedule a consultation before surgery to discuss their options. IV sedation is available in the office for the placement of dental implants or removal of wisdom teeth. Check out the patient anesthesia information on our website!
