General Anesthesia / Sedation

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons use a variety of methods to control the pain, fear, and anxiety of patients treated in their offices. They are also the only specialists in dentistry who are trained by anesthesiologists in a variety of General Anesthesia techniques.

Dr. Vecchione completed a One Year Residency in Anesthesiology prior to his training in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. During that time he was trained alongside other resident physicians who then completed a second year of Anesthesiology training in order to become fully trained Anesthesiologists. During his Anesthesiology Residency, Dr. Vecchione administered General Anesthesia for a variety of surgical procedures performed by General Surgeons, Orthopedic Surgeons, and most other surgical sub-specialties. Prior to his Anesthesiology Residency, Dr. Vecchione had performed numerous basic Oral Surgery procedures using Intravenous Sedation. As a General Dentist in the USAF Dental Corps at that time, he was trained in various Intravenous Sedation techniques.

Pain and anxiety control using all forms of sedation and general anesthesia have been an integral part of oral surgery practice since the inception of the specialty. Dr. Vecchione has been utilizing the full spectrum of pain and anxiety control in the management of his patients since completing his Oral Surgery training in 1985. Below is a brief description of the General Anesthesia / Sedation services which he utilizes in his oral surgery practice, all of which can be tailored to match the specific needs of his individual patients.

Minimal Sedation

A minimally depressed level of consciousness, with the patient breathing normally and able to respond to verbal commands. Cognitive function and coordination may be modestly impaired. This state can be achieved by using Inhalation Sedation, small amounts of intravenous medications, or a sedative taken orally before the procedure.

Moderate Sedation

A moderately depressed level of consciousness achieved by the administration of intravenous medications. Patients are breathing normally and stil are responsive to verbal commands. Cognitive function and coordination are more significantly impaired, and there is usually some amnesia associated with the procedure.

Deep Sedation

A more significant depression of consciousness achieved by the administration of intravenous medications, during which patients cannot be easily aroused but respond purposefully to repeated verbal commands. Patients may require assistance  in order to maintain a patent airway to allow normal breathing.

General Anesthesia

A loss of consciousness achieved by the administration of intravenous medications during which patients are not arouseable. Patients usually require assistance in order to maintain a patent airway due to the relaxation of the musculature of the tongue and throat. With standard chin support techniques which keep the airway open, patients may be asleep but breathing on their own.

The above descriptions are for general information purposes only, and your options will be reviewed in much greater detail at your first visit with Dr. Vecchione.