Anesthesia · Deeper Comfort
IV sedation
For longer procedures, higher anxiety, or more involved surgical care, IV sedation and general anesthesia may be available. Dr. Shaun Burlingame and Dr. Francisco Suarez administer anesthesia in our office, with your vital signs monitored throughout your procedure.
How It Works
IV sedation
IV sedation and general anesthesia involve medications given through a vein and require careful monitoring throughout treatment. At Riverside Oral Surgery, Dr. Shaun Burlingame and Dr. Francisco Suarez personally administer these options in office with your safety and comfort in mind.
General anesthesia is a deeper level of anesthesia that allows the patient to be fully asleep during the surgical procedure. General anesthesia may be recommended if the patient:
- Feel too anxious or uncomfortable to complete treatment with lighter sedation options
- Needs oral surgery or other dental treatment that would be difficult for the patient to tolerate while awake
- Need multiple procedures that may be completed more comfortably in one longer appointment
- Have medical, physical, emotional, or developmental needs that make treatment more challenging without deeper sedation support
At Riverside Oral Surgery, your sedation is administered by the surgeon treating you. Both Dr. Burlingame and Dr. Suarez completed hospital-based anesthesia training during residency and hold BLS, ACLS, PALS, and ATLS certifications; they both also hold a general anesthesia permit.
Your Surgery-Day Checklist
Before intravenous anesthesia sedation
- Do not eat or drink anything including water for eight hours prior to the scheduled appointment.
- No smoking at least 12 hours before surgery.
- A responsible adult must accompany the patient to the office, remain in the office during the procedure, and drive the patient home after recovery.
- Wear loose fitting clothing with either short sleeves or sleeves which can be rolled up past the elbow.
- Contact lenses, jewelry, and dentures must be removed at the time of surgery.
- Do not wear lipstick, excessive makeup, or nail polish on the day of surgery.
- If you have an illness such as a cold, sore throat, stomach or bowel upset, please notify the office.
- The patient should not drive a vehicle or operate any machinery for 24 hours following the procedure.
- If you take any oral medications, please check with Riverside Oral Surgery prior to your surgical date for instructions.
Planning your first appointment? Your First Visit covers the full picture, from what to bring to how the consultation works.
Sedation options available
Your anesthesia plan is part of every consultation. We will match the option to your procedure, your health history, and your comfort level.