Most oral surgery procedures require some form of anesthesia, whether it’s a local numbing agent or IV sedation. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are trained in all forms of outpatient anesthesia. Dr. Robert Wood, Dr. Nicholas Coles, Dr. Negin Saghafi, and Dr. Jerome Holbrook at Arizona Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons have years of training and experience administering anesthesia for wisdom teeth procedures, facial surgeries, and more. The type of anesthesia necessary usually depends on the type and extent of your surgery, your overall health, and your preferences.
EXPAREL®—Non-Narcotic Pain Relief After Surgery
EXPAREL is an opioid-free medication that provides effective pain relief for patients recovering from surgery. One dose administered during surgery works for up to 72 hours. EXPAREL can reduce or even eliminate the need for an opioid-based medication during the post-operative period.
Arizona Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons offers EXPAREL to help patients experience a comfortable recovery without the use of a prescribed narcotic.
Benefits of EXPAREL
No risk of dependence or withdrawal.
One dose administered during surgery.
Prescription pain medication may be reduced or even eliminated.
Effective pain relief up to 72 hours after administration.
The Risk of Opioids
Many patients are given a prescription for an opioid-based medication as a way to manage their pain after surgery. However, many opioid prescriptions turn into abuse due to their addictive nature. 11.5 million Americans abused a prescribed opioid in 2016, according to the CDC.
Opioids can include a number of side effects, such as addiction, constipation, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, depression, confusion, and more. Opioid abuse can lead to symptoms up to and including death.
EXPAREL is a safe and non-narcotic way for patients to experience a comfortable recovery. During your consultation, ask us about ways to manage discomfort following oral surgery and if EXPAREL is right for you.
Anesthesia Options at Arizona Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons
Your comfort and safety are our top priorities. Our surgeons have years of experience administering anesthesia for patients of all ages. During your first visit, we will go over all of your anesthesia and sedation options and discuss EXPAREL for long-lasting relief after surgery. Contact our office in Tucson, Oro Valley, or Sahuarita office today to schedule your appointment.
Local anesthesia is used in most oral surgery procedures, sometimes in conjunction with other forms of anesthesia. It works by numbing the surgical area to prevent pain. If local anesthesia alone is used, you will remain conscious throughout the procedure but not feel discomfort.
Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is used along with a local anesthetic to put you in a more relaxed state. Nitrous oxide is inhaled through a mask and has a mild pain-controlling effect. It wears off as soon as the mask is removed and you can drive yourself home afterward.
IV anesthesia puts you into a sleep-like state. You will be able to answer questions asked by your surgeon, but will have no awareness of the procedure and likely not remember it once the sedation wears off. You will need a designated driver to take you home.
General anesthesia is used for extensive jaw and facial surgeries or for patients with medical issues who are not candidates for in-office IV anesthesia. An anesthesiologist will assist with these surgeries. Some patients can be driven home the same day as the procedure, but other cases require an overnight stay.
Contact Arizona Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons to begin your journey to better oral health. We’ve been caring for patients in southern Arizona for over 50 years and look forward to caring for you and your loved ones.