Anesthesia

The ability to provide patients with safe, effective outpatient anesthesia has distinguished the specialty of oral and maxillofacial surgery since its earliest days. As the surgical specialists of the dental profession, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons are trained in all aspects of anesthesia administration. Following dental school Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons complete at least four years of training in a hospital-based surgical residency program alongside medical residents in general surgery, anesthesia and other specialties. During this time, OMS residents must complete a rotation on the medical anesthesiology service, during which they become competent in evaluating patients for anesthesia, delivering the anesthetic and monitoring post-anesthetic patients. The administration of anesthesia in the oral and maxillofacial surgery office has an enviable safety record. 

 As a result of this extensive training, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons are well-prepared to identify, diagnose and assess the source of pain and anxiety within the scope of their discipline, and to appropriately administer local anesthesia, all forms of sedation and general anesthesia. Further, they are experienced in airway management, endotracheal intubation establishing and maintaining intravenous lines, and managing complications and emergencies that may arise during the administration of anesthesia.

NMOFS Ambulatory Surgical Center has four surgical suites as well as a full scope operating room. Our center is Medicare, Medicaid and AAAHC certified and adheres closely to all standards and regulations as set forth by the Centers for Disease Control, OSHA and AAAHC and is governed by the same standards and regulations that most hospitals follow. Our full scope operating room allows our surgeon to perform a variety of surgeries as well as providing services to patients that would otherwise require surgery in the hospital setting because we have a Certified registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) to provide anesthesia in our operating room. A CRNA specializes in the administration of anesthesia. CRNAs represent a commitment CRNA are quite extensive. Prior ro appyling for admission to a graduate program in nurse anesthesia, a candidate must have a four year bachelor of science in nursing or other appropriate baccalaureate degree, a current license as a registered nurse and a minimum of one of experience in an acute care setting. Following this, the nurse attends 24-36 months of an accredited nurse anesthesia program to obtain their masters and CRNA degree. CRNAs are board certified and mandatory continuing education is required for re-certification every two years. 

Putting Your Mind at Ease

The best way to reduce anxiety is to make certain you know what to expect during and after surgery. As with most anxiety-producing situations, the more you know, the less you have to be anxious about. Prior to surgery, your Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon will review with you the type of anesthetic to be used, as well as the way you’re likely to feel during and after the operation. This is the time to discuss any concerns you may have about any facet of the operation.

During surgery, one or more of the following may be used to control your pain and anxiety: local anesthesia, nitrous oxide-oxygen, intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. Commonly, patients describe their feelings during surgery as comfortable and surprisingly pleasant. After surgery, you may be prescribed a medication to make you as comfortable as possible when you get home.

An Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon is a graduate of an accredited dental school who has completed an additional four or more years of training in an accredited, hospital-based oral and maxillofacial surgery residency program.