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Dr Mark Austin: What Type Of Anesthesia Is Used In Maxillofacial Surgery?

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• Austin , Dr , Mark

Maxillofacial surgery treats conditions relating to the face, mouth, jaws, and surrounding structures. So given the intricate complexities and varying extent of these surgeries, anesthesia proves to be an essential part of the process. For that matter, Dr Mark Austin will provide an understanding of the types of anesthesia used in maxillofacial surgery.

Local Anesthesia

Local anesthesia, the simplest form, is used to numb a specific body area while the patient remains fully conscious. It mainly involves injecting an anesthetic agent near the area of surgery, blocking the nerves and preventing the sensation of pain. This form of anesthesia is often used for minor maxillofacial procedures, like dental extractions or minor soft tissue procedures.

Sedation

Sedation is used when the patient might feel anxious about the procedure and desires a more comfortable experience. Sedation can be minimal, where the patient is awake but relaxed, or moderate, where the patient may not remember much of the procedure. Depending on the patient and the complexity of the surgery, sedation can be administered orally, via inhalation, or through intravenous (IV) methods.

General Anesthesia

General anesthesia is used for more complex or extensive maxillofacial surgical procedures, like in cases of major facial trauma, reconstructive surgery, or cancer surgeries. During general anesthesia, the patient is entirely unconscious and unaware of the ongoing procedure.

This state of the patient is usually achieved through the use of intravenous medications and inhaled gasses (anesthetics). During surgery, an anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist continuously monitors the patient’s vital signs and adjusts the anesthesia as necessary.

Regional Anesthesia

Lastly, regional anesthesia or nerve blocks are used to numb a larger region of the body, for example, one side of the face. This can be typically achieved by injecting anesthetic medication around a cluster of nerves. Examples of regional anesthesia used in maxillofacial surgery include inferior alveolar nerve block (used for procedures in the lower jaw) and maxillary nerve block (used for procedures in the upper jaw) Dr Mark Austin.