ANESTHESIA
Anesthesia is a medical practice used to temporarily block sensation, typically for the purpose of performing surgery or medical procedures. It aims to alleviate pain, anxiety, and discomfort during a procedure.
Dr. Gallagher is one of the only anesthesiologist and oral & maxillofacial surgeons in Austin, Texas. Dr. Gallagher's background includes two years of specialized anesthesia training and extensive experience in various surgeries, intensive care, and emergency resuscitations.
Types of Anesthesia
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Local Anesthesia: The patient remains conscious while a local anesthetic like lidocaine is administered to the surgical area, numbing it and blocking pain. It is often combined with other anesthesia methods for maximum comfort and effectiveness during oral surgery.
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Duration: 30 minutes to a few hours.
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Procedures: Minor soft tissue procedures and simple tooth extractions.
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Nitrous Oxide Sedation (Laughing Gas): Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is administered with oxygen through a nasal mask, keeping the patient conscious but relaxed. It acts as both a sedative and analgesic, effectively managing pain during the procedure.
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Duration: The effects wear off quickly once the gas is no longer being administered.
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Procedures: Simple oral surgery procedures such as removal of wisdom teeth and placement of dental implants.
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Intravenous (IV) Sedation: also known as conscious sedation, is used in dental and minor surgeries to induce relaxation and drowsiness while keeping the patient awake and responsive to verbal commands.
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Duration: IV sedation lasts from a few to several hours.
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Procedures: IV sedation is used for oral surgeries, especially for anxious patients or when local anesthesia is ineffective.
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General Anesthesia: Commonly used for oral surgery procedures such as wisdom teeth removal. For extreme surgery, general anesthesia is used in an outpatient surgery center or hospital setting.
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Duration: Effects last through the procedure and wear off gradually after medication stops.
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Procedures: Can be used for in-office procedures such as wisdom teeth or used for extensive surgeries like face and jaw reconstruction or TMJ surgery.
What should I expect before, during, and after anesthesia?
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Pre-SurgeryBefore any treatment commences, patients undergo a thorough examination, including x-rays and MRI's to assess their oral health and determine the best course of action. Dr. Gallagher works closely with your dental team throughout the treatment process to ensure optimal results. Prior to surgery, patients receive extensive preoperative education to understand what to expect and how to manage post-surgery care effectively. Multiple consultations are conducted to address any concerns and ensure patients feel confident about the procedure. Patients are encouraged to ask any questions they may have, as the dental team is dedicated to providing support and guidance throughout the process. When you are fully informed about the aspects of your care, you and your dental team can make the decision to proceed with treatment together.
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ProcedureThe surgery itself can last between 1 to 4 hours and is typically performed in a hospital or outpatient setting. It is rare for patients to stay overnight following orthognathic surgery. During the procedure, braces remain on the teeth to assist in controlling jaw position while the patient heals. Both the orthodontist and Dr. Gallagher work together to move the teeth and adjust the upper and/or lower jaws as needed.
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RecoveryFollowing surgery, patients can expect to be off work or school for approximately 10 to 12 days. They will also be placed on a non-chew diet for a minimum of 3 months, during which only soft foods that do not require chewing are permitted. Weekly appointments are necessary during the first month after surgery to monitor healing progress and make any adjustments as needed. We highly encourage every patient follow the post-surgery instructions provided by Dr. Gallagher's office.
Who Can Benefit from Anesthesia?
Fear / anxiety of dental procedures
Sensitive gag reflex
Previous traumatic dental experiences
Fear of needles or shots
General numbing agents don't work
Dental problems requiring prolonged treatment
TMJ discomfort or difficulty keeping mouth open for long
Restlessness / difficulty staying still
CHOOSE DR. GALLAGHER
Dr. Gallagher's commitment to anesthesia training reflects his dedication to providing optimal pain and anxiety control for oral surgical patients.
TMJ TOUR CHANNEL
As oral surgeons, we perform a lot of surgery in our office, and I wanted to be optimally prepared to offer a full range of pain control and anesthesia to my patients. We can provide safe, effective anesthesia for people of all ages, from small children to the elderly. It is normal for people to be apprehensive about surgery, so comprehensive anesthesia training and experience benefits everyone, particularly very nervous patients.”
- Dr. Dale M. Gallagher
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Pre-SurgeryBefore any treatment commences, patients undergo a thorough examination, including x-rays and MRI's to assess their oral health and determine the best course of action. Dr. Gallagher works closely with your dental team throughout the treatment process to ensure optimal results. Prior to surgery, patients receive extensive preoperative education to understand what to expect and how to manage post-surgery care effectively. Multiple consultations are conducted to address any concerns and ensure patients feel confident about the procedure. Patients are encouraged to ask any questions they may have, as the dental team is dedicated to providing support and guidance throughout the process. When you are fully informed about the aspects of your care, you and your dental team can make the decision to proceed with treatment together.
-
ProcedureThe surgery itself can last between 1 to 4 hours and is typically performed in a hospital or outpatient setting. It is rare for patients to stay overnight following orthognathic surgery. During the procedure, braces remain on the teeth to assist in controlling jaw position while the patient heals. Both the orthodontist and Dr. Gallagher work together to move the teeth and adjust the upper and/or lower jaws as needed.
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RecoveryFollowing surgery, patients can expect to be off work or school for approximately 10 to 12 days. They will also be placed on a non-chew diet for a minimum of 3 months, during which only soft foods that do not require chewing are permitted. Weekly appointments are necessary during the first month after surgery to monitor healing progress and make any adjustments as needed. We highly encourage every patient follow the post-surgery instructions provided by Dr. Gallagher's office.
