The Top Reasons Oral Surgeons are Most Qualified for Anesthesia Administration

It’s probably no surprise that the number one reason people avoid going to the dentist and neglect their oral care is the fear of pain. At Center for Oral Surgery and Dental Implants, we understand that dental anxiety is real, so we offer a variety of sedation options that eliminate pain and anxiety during your procedure. Our goal is to keep you comfortable and safe when you’re in our care. As an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, you can rest assured our expertise in all aspects of anesthesia administration is far superior to dentists and other specialists, thanks to the most rigorous training and educational requirements of an oral surgeon.

What makes oral surgeons more qualified than dentists to administer anesthesia?

Minimal or moderate sedation—received in the form of a pill or an IV—can be provided in a dental office by most dentists and specialists. This level of sedation is highly effective in some situations. However, our Tampa doctor has been trained to safely deliver all forms of sedation, including general anesthesia/deep sedation. Following dental school, Dr. Valiente completed four years of training in a hospital-based surgical residency program, with medical residents, continuing his studies in general surgery and anesthesia.

Dr. Valiente is highly trained and certified to administer anesthesia, having worked several rotations with anesthesiologists in hospital settings for many months at a time. Under close examination, he evaluated patients for anesthesia, delivered the anesthetic, and monitored post-anesthetic patients. When it comes to skills in administering anesthesia, oral surgeons are as close to anesthesiologists as one can achieve.

Oral surgeons are required to maintain continuing education in anesthesia and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) on a regular basis, which keeps Dr. Valiente current and fresh as he performs surgical procedures that require advanced levels of sedation. An oral surgeon’s extensive training includes patient evaluation, anesthesia technique, patient monitoring, and the appropriate depth of anesthetic. Additionally, we use more advanced forms of medication and equipment than found in an ordinary dental office.

What types of sedation do you offer?

At Center for Oral Surgery and Dental Implants, we offer all levels of sedation, from localized to conscious sedation to general anesthesia, in other words, deep sedation, which is administered intravenously.  General anesthesia is most often recommended by Dr. Valiente to help manage any discomfort during an invasive procedure.

Local Anesthesia

We use local anesthesia, which is lidocaine in the form of an injection to numb the surgical area. Lidocaine inhibits signals to the brain, preventing you from feeling any pain. You are fully awake for procedures using only lidocaine.

Nitrous Oxide

We also provide nitrous oxide, a sweet-smelling gas that is mixed with oxygen through a mask that is placed over your nose. Nitrous Oxide or “laughing gas” is non-addicting, calms you, and alleviates fear. We often combine it with other forms of anesthesia such as Lidocaine.

IV Conscious Sedation

Also known as twilight sedation, IV conscious sedation is administered through an IV line and induces a sleep-like state. We use this form of anesthesia for some procedures.

General Anesthesia/Deep Sedation

Genera Anesthesia, or deep sedation, is most often recommended by Dr. Valiente for invasive surgeries, such as complicated extractions and wisdom teeth surgery. It is administered through an IV line, using a thin needle. Patients are kept asleep and comfortable and wake with no memory of the surgery. It is very safe and effective. Our surgical assistants are trained in General Anesthesia as well.

What are the benefits of anesthesia?

In addition to keeping you comfortable, safe, and relaxed during and after your surgery, sedation allows us to do our best work, knowing that fear, pain, and anxiety have been alleviated so that you spend less time in surgery. At our Tampa office, we specialize in administering all types of sedation and encourage our patients to be sedated to simplify invasive procedures. The benefits of receiving oral surgical care include the following.

• Dr. Valiente is meticulous in following safety protocols, closely monitoring all medications and their effects, including heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure. You are in excellent hands.
• All our oral surgery assistants are highly trained in sedation and work alongside Dr. Valiente as he carries out anesthesia administration, including airway monitoring, and performs the surgical procedure efficiently.
• You receive nothing more invasive than a nose mask delivering supplemental oxygen and a small IV needle in your arm. We do not Intubate our patients.
• With deep sedation, our patients are unanimously satisfied with their procedures, experiencing absolutely no pain or recollection of the surgery.

Dr. Valiente is a Fellow of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Diplomate of the American Board of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery. He has had many years of clinical and surgical experience along with extensive anesthesia training, allowing him to offer a variety of anesthetic techniques, including local anesthesia, nitrous oxide, intravenous sedation, and general anesthesia. When it comes to providing for your safety and comfort, Dr. Valiente is unparalleled.

If you have questions or are ready to set up a consultation, please call us at Center for Oral Surgery and Dental Implants Phone Number (813) 968-5400.