What Type of Anesthesia Does Dr. Loetscher perform?

One of the benefits of coming to Atlanta Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery & Dental Implant Center is that Dr. Loetscher is a board certified anesthesiologist. He is one of the only oral & maxillofacial surgeons in the state that is trained and set-up to safely administer true general anesthesia. He performs four different types of anesthesia; local anesthesia, local anesthesia with nitrous oxide, IV sedation and general anesthesia. He determines which type of anesthesia is best based on the patient and the surgical procedure he is performing.  Our goal is to ensure that our patients have the most comfortable surgery experience. Our team is highly skilled and we can assure you that you will be in good hands.

Watch the video below to hear from Dr. Loetscher himself about the different types of anesthesia the our office has to offer:

The 4 types of anesthesia we offer are as follows:

1. Local Anesthesia:  Such as lidocaine. It simply numbs up the area while you are awake.

When it’s used:  Simple procedures such as tooth removal and soft tissue procedures such as bumps on your lips and gums.

2. Local Anesthesia with Nitrous Oxide: We add nitrous oxide through a nasal mask that helps relax you while providing light sedation and comfort. You can drive home after receiving this type of anesthesia.

When it’s used:  This is also used in simple procedures, but for those where you are somewhat anxious and would like some relaxation.

3. IV Sedation: For this, an intravenous line is used to administer sedative drugs that relax you, make you sit more still, and typically provide a high level of amnesia, so you have minimal recollection of the procedure and feel like you’ve been put to sleep. You may move around during the procedure, but may not recall it. You are not put too deeply asleep because you need to maintain your airway for safety.

When it’s used:  IV sedation is very useful for more straightforward, less technical procedures such as simple extractions, straightforward dental implant procedures, and some biopsies. We often use this on elders as well.

4. General Anesthesia. For this an IV line is also initiated. You are put completely to sleep with a combination of IV drugs and an inhalation agent. A breathing tube is placed via your nose into your windpipe after you are asleep. The inhalation drugs are administered through this tube. This is an ultra-safe technique because your airway is intact. Most general anesthetics at the hospital are administered this way as well.

With general anesthesia you are asleep so you have no recall. You are sitting still so the surgeon can be very technically proficient.  Also, the drugs used to keep you asleep are ultra-short acting so you wake up quicker and much more alert. We often use no sedatives or narcotics for this.

When it’s used:  General Anesthesia is ideal for procedures such as third molar removal, most dental implant procedures, and procedures on children.  For nervous children and young adults (and occasionally very anxious adults) we often put them asleep with the inhalation agents (gases) and once asleep start the IV line. This way the patient does not “see a needle”, which for many is their greatest concern.

For types 3 and 4 (IV sedation) the patient needs to arrive with an empty stomach (4 hours for IV sedation & 8 hours for general anesthesia) and you will need someone to drive you home.

Anesthesiologist:  We utilize an additional board certified MD anesthesiologist for all orthognathic surgery procedures, longer & more complex reconstructive and implant procedures, and many elders.

Feel free to call our office at 770-664-5550 if you have any questions regarding anesthesia.