WHAT IS IV (INTRAVENOUS) SEDATION?
This technique uses similar medications as IV general anesthesia but the patient is not “ASLEEP”. Sedated patients are more aware of their immediate surroundings but are in a relaxed mood. WHAT IS LOCAL ANESTHESIA? This involves administration of a “Novacaine” shot which numbs or freezes a small area so surgery can be performed without altering consciousness. Using local anesthesia only, the patient is completely alert and fully aware of his or her surroundings. Local anesthesia does not decrease the patient’s level of anxiety towards the surgical procedure. ARE THERE TIMES WHEN LOCAL ANESTHESIA DOESN’T WORK DURING ORAL SURGICAL PROCEDURES? YES. In order for the local anesthetic to work, the tissue pH must be neutral or slightly alkaline. Fortunately, local anesthesia works well in noninfected tissue because normal tissue pH is slightly alkaline. However, many patients whom oral surgeons need to treat have infections which cause the tissue pH around the infected tooth to become acidic.
