Does one get put to sleep during a jaw surgery?
In general, most jaw surgeries are performed while the patient is under general anesthesia. This means that the patient is completely asleep and unable to feel any pain or discomfort during the procedure. The type of anesthesia used will depend on the type of jaw surgery being performed and the patient’s individual needs.
General Anesthesia is a type of anesthesia that causes a patient to become unconscious and unable to feel pain. During general anesthesia, the patient is given intravenous (IV) medications and gases to keep them asleep and comfortable throughout the surgery. General anesthesia is typically used for more complicated and lengthy jaw surgeries.
Local Anesthesia is a type of anesthesia that numbs a specific area of the body. During local anesthesia, the patient is not put to sleep, but rather they remain awake and aware of their surroundings. Local anesthesia is typically used for minor jaw surgeries, such as wisdom tooth extractions, that require only a small area to be numbed.
Intravenous Sedation is a type of anesthesia that produces a state of relaxation and decreased awareness. During intravenous sedation, the patient is not completely asleep, but rather in a sort of twilight sleep. Intravenous sedation is typically used for more complex jaw surgeries, such as jaw reconstruction, that require a longer duration of time to complete.
In conclusion, the type of anesthesia used for jaw surgeries will depend on the type of surgery being performed and the patient’s individual needs. In most cases, patients will be put to sleep under general anesthesia, although local anesthesia and intravenous sedation may be used for certain procedures.