Here at Oral & Facial Surgery of New Mexico, we want to ensure that you are always comfortable during treatment, which is why we offer various forms of anesthesia. The type of anesthesia you receive will depend on the severity of your condition and treatment, as well as your preference and comfort level. When you visit one of our offices in Las Cruces or Roswell, NM, Dr. Heiner can help you determine what type of anesthesia is best for your needs.
Types of Anesthesia at Oral & Facial Surgery of New Mexico
For the most accurate information about the sedation techniques we use and their benefits, we encourage you to schedule an appointment at our office. The bullets below contain general information about each anesthesia option in our offices:
- Local anesthesia numbs the surgical site to allow the patient to experience a painless procedure. This form of anesthesia lets a patient stay completely awake and aware as Dr. Heiner fixes your smile. Local anesthesia isn’t as strong as other forms of anesthesia, so you will most likely be able to drive yourself to and from your appointment.
- Nitrous oxide sedation is also known as laughing gas and is normally administered before surgery to help a patient to relax while remaining fully conscious. This technique helps a patient feel more comfortable about their procedure and is typically followed up with local anesthesia to numb the actual surgical area.
- IV sedation/General Anesthesia is used to put the patient in a sleep-like state during surgery to prevent pain. When the surgery is complete, the patient will wake up from the treatment without any memory of the operation at all. We recommend IV sedation for patients who are undergoing more complex procedures or who are more nervous about feeling pain. Patients who choose IV sedation must adhere to specific instructions before surgery and have a responsible adult drive them to and from our office.
Manage Post-Operative Discomfort With EXPAREL®
EXPAREL is a non-narcotic option for patients to manage their post-operative pain. Using EXPAREL significantly reduces or even eliminates the need for opioids after surgery. Learn more about this revolutionary treatment by visiting our EXPAREL page.
Anesthesia at Oral & Facial Surgery of New Mexico
As an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Dr. Heiner has received the highest licensure to safely and expertly administer all forms of anesthesia. When you visit our office for treatment, you can feel confident that you will be in safe hands, regardless of which type of anesthesia you choose. For more information about your anesthesia options or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Heiner, please contact one of our offices.
