Comfort and Safety Combined
Anesthesia & Sedation
Whether you need mild relaxation with nitrous oxide or a deeper level of anesthesia, Dr. Shaun Burlingame and Dr. Francisco Suarez will help choose the option that best fits your procedure, health history, and comfort level.
A Safe Alternative to Anxiety
What is sedation dentistry?
Occasionally a patient may become anxious and cannot relax during an office visit. As many as 30% of adults in America are afraid of needles. Sedation dentistry offers these dental patients a safe and effective alternative through sedation dentistry.
There are three forms of conscious sedation that allow a patient to relax and/or become sleepy. Forms of conscious sedation may involve nitrous oxide analgesia, taking an oral medication or receiving medication intravenously.
Sedation can help make surgical care feel more manageable. For patients who feel nervous or have a more involved procedure planned, sedation may help reduce anxiety, support comfort, and limit movement during treatment. Dr. Shaun Burlingame and Dr. Francisco Suarez will review your health history, procedure, and comfort level to help determine which anesthesia option is appropriate for you. Ask us about your comfort options.
Matched to Your Comfort Level
Your sedation options
Comfort and Safety
Anesthesia in trained surgical hands
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons receive extensive hospital-based anesthesia training during residency. At Riverside Oral Surgery, Dr. Shaun Burlingame and Dr. Francisco Suarez personally administer sedation in our office, with your vital signs monitored throughout your procedure.
- Dr. Shaun Burlingame is trained in administering conscious sedation, IV sedation, and general anesthesia for both adult and pediatric patients.
- Dr. Francisco Suarez holds a general anesthesia permit and dedicates his time to staying current in evidence-based anesthesia and IV sedation.
- Both surgeons hold certifications in Basic Life Support, Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Pediatric Advanced Life Support, and Advanced Trauma Life Support.
Receiving IV sedation or general anesthesia? There are important rules for the day of surgery, including an 8-hour fast and an adult driver to take you home. See Your First Visit and the IV Sedation page for the full checklist.
Let us know if you’re nervous
Feeling nervous does not make you any less welcome here. It helps us understand your needs and match the right sedation option to your comfort level. Your anesthesia plan is part of every consultation.