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Dr. Stastny and his team understand that “going to the dentist” may be a stressful event for many people. That is why they do everything they can to make sure that your experience is as comfortable, painless and pleasant as possible. During your consultation, Dr. Stastny will discuss the different anesthesia options available and help you decide which one is right for you.
What Are The Anesthesia Options?
There are a number of anesthesia options that offer different levels of relaxation. Here is brief description of these options:
· Local Anesthesia – This is “numbing medicine”. Even though you will be “numb” with local anesthesia, you will still be able to feel pressure during most surgical procedures.
· Local Anesthesia with Nitrous Oxide – Nitrous oxide is very good for helping with very mild anxiety about dental procedures. It is best suited for simple procedures that do not produce significant pressure.
· IV Sedation – This method is used to give you a small amount of medicine through an IV to help you relax, but not put you completely asleep. You will be somewhat aware of your surroundings, but you will be very comfortable and unaware of the passing of time.
· General Anesthesia – During general anesthesia you will be completely asleep and unaware of your surroundings. You will be asleep long enough that you will not feel anything during the procedure; however, you will probably be ready to walk out the door with-in fifteen minutes after the procedure.
Both IV Sedation and General Anesthesia options usually include Local Anesthesia as well
The Birth of General Anesthesia?
Did you know that general anesthesia was discovered by a dentist? Horace Wells demonstrated a general anesthetic technique using nitrous oxide at the Massachusetts General Hospital in January of 1845 that earned him the title of “Discoverer of Anesthesia”. Two years later William Morton, another dentist, demonstrated a more effective general anesthesia technique using ether to remove a neck tumor, which began a long tradition of dentists performing general anesthesia.
Dr. Stastny’s Training
Like all oral & maxillofacial surgeons, Dr. Stastny is trained in all aspects of anesthesia administration. As part of his five years of post-dental school residency he served alongside medical residents on general medicine, general surgery, surgical intensive care, emergency room, plastic surgery, and anesthesia. During his time on the anesthesiology service he became competent in evaluating patients for their anesthesia needs, delivering anesthesia, and post-anesthetic care.
Since his residency training, Dr. Stastny has continued to maintain his skills by volunteer teaching at the University of Cincinnati Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Residency Program, University Hospital Basic Life Support (BLS) for Health Care Providers, and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS). He is also an instructor for other BLS and ACLS to other hospital employees.
Dr. Stastny holds a general anesthesia permit through the Ohio State Dental Board (OSDB) that must be renewed through an evaluation process every five years. This evaluation process that was started in Ohio by the OSDB, and administered by the Ohio Society of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons has become the model that the American Association of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons has adopted for the rest of the country.
Dr. Stastny makes every effort to be available to his patients 24 hours a day. Every patient has his home and cell phone number to contact him in case of an emergency.
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