Office Anesthesia:
Your safety and comfort during your experience with us is of the highest importance. Anesthesia
options are provided to make the procedures tolerable and relaxing for you. These options
include local anesthesia, nitrous oxide (laughing gas), intravenous sedation, and general
anesthesia. A consultation at a time before your surgery will allow Dr. Florio to explain your
surgery, and advise you on the best possible anesthetic options.
Oral and Maxillofacial surgeons are unique in that they have received formal training in
anesthesia. This training is part of their residency and it is within the department of
anesthesiology of the hospital system in which they trained.
Our practice has a longstanding history of anesthetic safety. We use state-of-the-art, advanced
monitoring equipment to closely monitor patients during anesthesia. Our office is licensed, and
approved by the State of Connecticut for outpatient anesthesia. Dr Florio is certified in advanced
cardiac life support (ACLS). Certification in ACLS is required to maintain a standard of care in
the office setting.
Initial Consultation
Your initial consultation is very important to your overall treatment plan. This is mandatory for
oral premedication, IV sedation, and general anesthesia. We will discuss the specifics of your
exam and the surgical procedure that may need to be performed. They will also review your
medical history and evaluate your anesthetic needs and risks. The anesthetic may vary from a
local anesthetic to what is considered a general anesthetic in the office. After the course of
anesthesia is decided, you will be given specific instructions by either the doctor or the trained
office staff.
What are the anesthesia options?
Local Anesthesia
Local anesthesia involves injections in the oral cavity to provide numbness of the surgical site.
Utilizing a local anesthetic alone, you will remain alert and aware of your surroundings.
Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
This is used in conjunction with local anesthesia. You breathe it in via a nasal mask that fits
comfortably over your nose. It helps you relax, and decreases your level of anxiety. After a brief
stay in the office, you should be able to drive home.
Oral Premedication
A tranquilizer, such as valium, may be given prior to your surgical procedure to help relax you
and reduce your anxiety levels associated with the planned surgery. If you choose this method,
your consent form must be signed prior to taking the medication and you should avoid a heavy
meal prior to your visit. In addition, you should have someone drive you to our office and drive
you home because of the effects the medication may have on your driving ability.
Intravenous Sedation
This technique involves placing an IV and administrating medications through the IV to help
reduce consciousness, help relaxation, and decrease stress. Amnesia and increased pain tolerance
may occur. With this technique, you may not have anything to eat or drink for six hours prior to
surgery and an adult must escort you home and watch over you following surgery. Sometimes an
intravenous sedation may require a medical consultation with your physician.
Intravenous General Anesthesia/Deep Conscious Sedation
This anesthetic technique allows the patient to become unconscious during their surgical
procedure. Most patients will be competently unaware of their surgical procedure and will have
little or no recollection of what has transpired during the affects of the medication. This is
different from a general anesthetic in the hospital in that you will not have a breathing tube
placed, and you will not be paralyzed. As with IV sedation, no food or water is allowed for six
hours prior to the procedure. Someone must accompany you home and watch over you for the
remainder of the day.
Pre and Post Op Anesthetic Care
Following the consultation, you will be given specific preoperative instructions. These usually
include:
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Nothing to eat or drink six hours before your surgery.
Patients taking regular medications should take their medication with a small amount of
water even if it is within the six-hour time frame prior to surgery unless instructed
otherwise by our surgical staff or nurse.
Wearing loose and comfortable-fitting clothing.
No facial make-up.
Have someone responsible with you to take you home and watch over you for the rest of
the day following your surgery.
Undergoing intravenous anesthesia and surgery at our office is similar to having surgery and
anesthesia at the hospital or day surgery facility. You will be monitored with similar equipment.
You are taken to the surgical suite by one of our trained surgical assistants who will chaperone
you during your entire visit. They will place a number of monitors, including a blood pressure
monitor, an electrocardiogram, and a pulse oximeter. This is why loose comfortable clothing is
required.
You will receive oxygen and nitrous oxide via a nasal mask that fits comfortably over your nose
to help relax you. Dr. Florio starts the IV himself. This is for the administration fluids and
medications.
After surgery, you will be allowed to recover for a period of time. Once you are stable and awake
you will be discharged to the care of your ride home. Because of the medications used, you
should not attempt to perform any dangerous or strenuous activities, such as, driving or operating
machinery for at least 24 hours after surgery.