Anesthesia Services
At Carolina Oral & Facial Surgery, P.A., patient safety is our highest priority.
Dr. Williams, a board-certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon and dual-degree physician, has extensive training and experience in administering anesthesia. Our entire team is dedicated to ensuring a safe, comfortable, and positive experience for every patient. Every member of our clinical staff is certified in Basic Life Support (BLS).
Dr. Williams is also certified in Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS), and, along with our entire clinical team, holds certifications in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS). Additionally, we encourage our surgical assistants to obtain their certification as Dental Anesthesia Assistants by the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons during their career.
Our clinical team includes professionals certified in their respective specialties or licensed as registered nurses, ensuring that our patients receive the highest level of care. Our facility is equipped with state-of-the-art monitoring and emergency equipment, providing a safe environment for all anesthesia procedures.
We care for patients of all ages. When you come in for your consultation, Dr. Williams will discuss your anesthesia options and help you choose the right one for your procedure. Below are some brief descriptions of the different forms of anesthesia we provide and utilize for our patients:
Anesthesia Options for Our Oral Surgery Procedures:
Local Anesthesia
Local anesthesia is commonly used for minor procedures and provides numbness in a targeted area. The patient remains awake, and the feelings of discomfort are eliminated, however the patient will still feel pressure from the procedure. Patients who have had fillings or other minor dental procedures may have previous experience with local anesthesia. Local anesthesia is a safe option with minimal side effects. After the procedure, you may experience numbness in your cheeks, lips, and gums for a few hours.
IV Sedation
IV sedation allows patients to enter a deeply relaxed, sleep-like state during a procedure. It is commonly used for more complex surgical treatments or for individuals with significant dental anxiety. Administered intravenously, this form of sedation induces a state of semi-consciousness or deep relaxation. While patients remain technically conscious, they are typically unaware of the procedure as it happens and do not remember the procedure afterward.
General Anesthesia in Outpatient Surgery Setting
When you think of “being put to sleep” for a surgery, this is general anesthesia. This type of anesthesia produces a more profound anesthesia experience with no memory of the actual procedure. Some people are best managed in a hospital or surgery center. This may be due to the complexity of the surgery, health of the patient, or in cases of severe anxiety, emotional immaturity, or developmental delay. Procedures such as jaw surgery, reconstruction cases, cleft lip and palate, impacted wisdom tooth removal, extensive dental implant placement or any oral and maxillofacial surgical procedure that is coordinated with multiple surgical specialties are considered for outpatient surgical care. Dr. Williams has privileges at Prisma Health System, Bon Secours Health System, and Spartanburg Regional Health System.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does someone need to come with me the day of surgery?
Yes. If a patient is under 18, a parent / legal guardian, if over 18, a responsible adult must accompany the patient the day of surgery, remain in the waiting room for the entire time of the surgical procedure, and drive the patient home. The adult responsible for the patient must be present for surgery to begin, and the vehicle must remain on the premises. If you are under the age of 18, the parent / legal guardian will need to sign the surgery consent forms. Patients who undergo IV sedation should not drive or operate heavy machinery for 24 hours after surgery. The caregiver will need to help you get any necessary medications from the pharmacy, make sure you get home safely, and assist you in eating and postoperative care.
As a female patient, are there specific instructions or items to be aware of prior to surgery with IV sedation?
Yes, all female patients should advise Dr. Williams and the clinical team if there is any chance of pregnancy prior to surgery. Surgery, anesthetics, or any other medication may significantly harm your developing baby, especially during the first trimester, if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
If using oral contraceptives, it is important to understand that antibiotics may interfere with the effectiveness of oral contraceptives. Therefore, an additional form of birth control, for one complete cycle, is recommended after a course of antibiotics. Please consult your physician for further guidance.
I am taking a new supplement and was recently placed on a blood thinner, should I call the office to tell them before my surgery?
Yes, please call the office and notify our team. Stop taking aspirin or any supplements, such as fish oil and vitamin E that promote bleeding at least 3 days prior to your surgery. Please discuss other blood thinners with Dr. Williams or the clinical team prior to surgery day.
Can I smoke or vape prior to and after surgery?
No, it is best for anesthesia safety and healing that patients cannot smoke or vape for at least 48 hours prior to surgery and for two weeks after surgery.
What if I catch a cold, develop a cold sore, or become sick prior to surgery?
Your safety is our top priority. Respiratory infections can increase the risks associated with IV sedation. The physiological effects of these infections may linger in your lungs long after your symptoms have subsided. Additionally, infections that cause a sore throat can enter your surgical site and potentially lead to life-threatening complications. If you have a respiratory infection, sore throat, or cold sore prior to your scheduled surgery, please contact our office immediately. We will discuss your symptoms and determine whether it is safe to proceed with your procedure or if it should be rescheduled for your safety.
Can I have anything to eat or drink before my surgery?
Any patient undergoing oral or intravenous sedation cannot eat or drink anything for 8 hours prior to surgery. This means patients should not have anything to eat or drink after midnight prior to surgery the following day. This is to avoid food from your stomach getting into your lungs after you are asleep which could lead to serious complications.
Do I need to stop my medications?
Some medications can interact with sedation medications or increase your risk of bleeding. Dr. Williams will tell you if you need to stop any of your medications prior to surgery. Otherwise, you may take any necessary medications with a small sip of water prior to your sedation.
What should I wear the day of surgery?
Patients should wear, comfortable clothes, with loose or short sleeves, should be worn to help with the start of the IV line to administer sedation. In addition, this will help with the placement of monitoring equipment. Flat comfortable shoes should also be worn. For safety reasons, please do not wear flip flops.
Should I wear my glasses instead of contacts the day of surgery?
Patients should not wear contacts on the day of surgery. Glasses are preferred.
Should I wear make-up the day of surgery?
Patients should not wear excessive makeup, lipstick, jewelry, or nail polish on the day of the planned surgical procedure. (dark nail polish or artificial nails may have to be removed to monitor your condition during surgery)
Are there other benefits to IV anesthesia?
Yes. The IV access gives us the ability to give other medications that are beneficial to patients in addition to sedation. Examples would be medication to decrease pain and swelling, prevent nausea, and antibiotics, if indicated. These medications help tremendously in the overall comfort of our patients.
What should I expect after IV sedation?
After your procedure, you will be fully monitored until fully awake and ready to go home. Recovery will occur in the surgery suite. Your postoperative care will be overseen by Dr. Williams and a clinical team member who will discuss the surgery and all postoperative instructions with you and your caretaker. All prescriptions are sent electronically to your preferred pharmacy. By the time you are ready to leave our office, you should expect to feel awake but a little groggy. Please remember, patients may not take a taxi or rideshare service home after IV sedation without a responsible adult present, always in the car.
Why choose Carolina Oral & Facial Surgery?
Our team is committed to supporting you and your family every step of the way with the highest standard in oral surgery and exceptional healthcare.