No matter how minor a surgical procedure may be, it can still cause fair amounts of anxiety for the patient. Dr. Selkin, as a Board Certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon is able to offer patients the option of intravenous sedation (also known as ‘twilight sedation’).  Intravenous sedation is a combination of medications administered via an IV that help the patient relax enough to tolerate the procedure as well as not remember any procedure that may be uncomfortable.

There are a few important things to remember when choosing the option of IV Sedation:

• Patients are asked to not consume any food or drink 6 to 8 hours prior to surgery
• Patients will need someone to drive them home

Patients will receive local anesthetic around the surgical site, regardless if they opt to be sedated or not. Local anesthetic is administration of a numbing medication in and around the surgical site to prevent pain. Patients can expect the numbing sensation to last up to 4 hours after the procedure, but patients can experience numbness around the surgical area for quite some time post-operatively. 

A patient may not qualify for IV sedation or may not desire to be sedated. In instances as such, we can offer Nitrous Oxide. Nitrous Oxide is a combination of Nitrous Oxide and Oxygen. It is a non-irritating, colorless gas that is inhaled through a nasal hood. Nitrous Oxide will aide in relieving anxiety and pain for the patient.