Health

Dr. Steven Paul, DDS Oral Surgeon Murrieta

Published

6 years ago

September 12, 2019

Four Types of Oral Surgery Anesthesia For Dental Patients

It’s not uncommon for a dental patient to feel anxious thinking about an upcoming dental procedure. At our clinic, we are always responsive to easing your nervousness or anxiety about dental treatment. We talk to you, understand your dental and personal profile and then suggest the right kind of oral surgery anesthesia to address the expected pain—nothing more, or less.

Giving anesthesia is about controlling the temporary loss of awareness or sensation. It provides relief from pain and brings down levels of anxiety during a dental procedure. The patient becomes numb to pain and stays relaxed while the dentist carries out the treatment in your mouth.

The type of dental treatment determines the degree of numbness to be attained. A simple procedure will probably need just the numbing of the area being treated. Sometimes, you may be required to be wholly unaware of events during a procedure, in which case you may need to be sedated.

Four Types of Oral Surgery Anesthesia Used By Dentists

Using Local Anesthetic

A local anesthetic alone is utilized when managing a simple and minimally invasive dental procedure. The anesthetic numbs only a part of your mouth, and you remain awake for the duration of the procedure.

Your dentist may use Lidocaine, which is a common local anesthetic medicine. It is injected in and surrounding the surgery area.

Explain How Local Anesthetics Work?

The first step involves the dentist drying the area with air or cotton or both. Usually, a gel is utilized to numb the skin. Your dentist will then gradually inject the local anesthetic. While most patients don’t feel pain due to the inserting needle, some may feel a bit of a sting.

The effect of an injection of local anesthesia can last up to a few hours. Following the procedure, the patient may find it challenging to eat, drink, or even speak clearly. It is normal to be awkward while using a straw while drinking, and you may need some towels after the procedure.

You will be cautioned not to bite on the numb area as you can hurt yourself without realizing it.

Nitrous Oxide Sedation With Local Anesthetic

You may be aware of the term “laughing gas” that is used on people during dental procedures. Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is an odorless and colorless breathable gas. It acts as a sedative and helps you stay calm. It will relax you by the pleasurable feelings it gives. It functions as an analgesic, and helps relieve pain.

Nitrous oxide is used for simple oral procedures as well as more complex dental procedures. It works quickly, and its effects are reversible. That’s why nitrous oxide is considered to be a safe sedation method.

If you’re about to have a wisdom tooth removed or dental implant insertion, call our office to find out if nitrous oxide sedation is best for you.

Even when nitrous oxide is used, a local anesthetic is still going to be used around the part in the mouth affected by the procedure.

What’s ‘Laughing Gas’ Or Nitrous Oxide And How Does It Work?

You will be given a mix of oxygen and nitrous oxide through a breathing apparatus before and during the procedure, and the gas will enable you to stay conscious and at ease.

The gas has a known side effect: mild amnesia, and till the time its effect goes away, you will not remember much of the procedure.

Clinic-Based Intravenous Anesthesia Using Local Anesthetic

I.V. or intravenous anesthesia triggers sedation. You will feel calm and relaxed state and not remember the dental procedure that’s usually discomforting.

Some dental patients stay asleep during the entire procedure. Some move in and out of “twilight sleep,” though they remain quite relaxed.

I.V. Anesthesia Eliminates Pain

A dental patient who is significantly anxious about dental procedures may request I.V. anesthesia even for a simple procedure.

Most patients choose I.V. anesthesia for wisdom teeth extraction or dental implants.

Skill Criteria For Dentist To Administer Anesthesia

Oral surgeons must fulfill conditions to offer general anesthesia during in-office dental procedures:

A minimum of 3 months of hospital-based anesthesia training
Passed in-office assessment carried out by state dental board examiner
Performed oral surgery utilizing general anesthesia under examiner’s oversight
Houses tested monitoring and emergency equipment
Experienced anesthesia-related emergencies

A state dental board will provide the oral surgeon a license to administer general anesthesia only after successful training and evaluation.

How Does A Dentist Use Intravenous Anesthesia?

A small intravenous needle is inserted into your arm vein. The dentist or staff places an I.V. tube that will drip the anesthetic through the needle and into your vein, and you will soon relax.

Call our office if you have questions about intravenous anesthesia. We will be happy to assist you with your concerns or questions.

General Anesthesia In Hospital

A hospital offers inpatient general anesthesia to patients who require extensive surgery such as TMJ surgery, and face and jaw reconstruction. An anesthesiologist administers the general anesthesia.

You are encouraged to speak with our dentist or dental office to clarify your doubt about general anesthesia.

Know Dr. Steven Paul, MD, DDS

It is Dr. Steven Paul’s top priority to keep you safe and comfortable, and oral surgery anesthesia helps our clinic to achieve relaxation during procedures.

Once you schedule a consultation for any dental procedure, Dr. Paul and his staff interact with you comprehensively about the most appropriate type of anesthesia. Dr. Paul takes extra care in addressing any concerns you may have and will not move forward until you are satisfied with the answers.

A member of the American Association of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons, Dr. Paul has more than 20 years of experience in all areas of oral surgery. He specializes in the treatment and restoration of missing teeth via dental implant procedures including full mouth rehabilitation (All-on-4), restoring both aesthetics and function, bone and soft tissue grafting, associated tumors and cysts in the oral cavity, and wisdom teeth removal.

Every anesthetic technique is customized for the individual patient at our dental clinic.

Health

Finding Your Best Fit: Are GLP-1 Medications Right for Your Weight Loss Journey?

Published

6 hours ago

July 2, 2025

Michelle Langton

Over the past few years, a class of drugs known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists has been gaining attention, not only for treating type 2 diabetes but also in the field of weight management.

With obesity affecting “at least one in five adults (20%) in each U.S. state,” according to the CDC, many individuals are seeking effective solutions that can complement diet and exercise. Two of the most discussed options are GLP-1 injections for weight loss and GLP-1/GIP for weight loss, both of which have shown promising results.

However, deciding if these medications are right for you isn’t a one-size-fits-all process; it’s essential to determine if GLP-1s are right for you to get you to be your best self in 2025. SimpleFixRx — a healthcare service dedicated to personalized options — can help you explore GLP-1s therapy as part of your 2025 broader health plan.

Understanding GLP-1 receptor agonists

GLP-1 receptor agonists were initially designed to help regulate blood sugar in individuals with type 2 diabetes by mimicking a hormone that controls insulin secretion, slows digestion, and reduces appetite. The recent spotlight on GLP-1 injectors for weight loss and GLP-1/ GIP for weight loss stems from studies showing that these medications can help many people achieve significant, sustained weight loss — often in the 10-15 percent range or more of their body weight — when paired with healthier eating habits and increased physical activity.

Key benefits:

Enhanced blood sugar control: For individuals with type 2 diabetes, these medications can significantly lower hemoglobin A1C levels.

Appetite regulation: By slowing gastric emptying and impacting appetite signals, GLP-1s can help reduce unhealthy food cravings.

Possible cardiovascular benefits: Some research suggests that certain GLP-1s may offer heart-protective effects, reducing the risk of cardiac events.

Who can benefit from GLP-1?

GLP-1 receptor agonists have emerged as a promising option for individuals facing various metabolic and weight-related challenges. Whether you’re dealing with type 2 diabetes or seeking a meaningful way to jump-start weight loss, therapies like GLP-1/ GIP for weight loss and GLP-1 injections for weight loss could help bridge the gap where traditional diet and exercise might fall short.

Individuals with type 2 diabetes

GLP-1s remain a staple in controlling high blood sugar for patients who’ve struggled with traditional oral medications or lifestyle measures alone. If you have type 2 diabetes, speak with your healthcare provider to see if adding a GLP-1 might improve your overall management plan.

Those with obesity or weight-related health concerns

If your body mass index (BMI) is 30 or above — or you’re overweight (BMI 25–29.9) and have additional complications like prediabetes, hypertension, or high cholesterol — GLP-1s might be a strong consideration. The appetite-suppressing effects often help jump-start weight loss.

People seeking a catalyst for lifestyle changes

Even if you haven’t succeeded with traditional diets or exercise routines, medications such as GLP-1/ GIP for weight loss or GLP-1 injections for weight loss may help you regain momentum. Still, a commitment to long-term lifestyle improvements — such as more balanced eating and regular physical activity — is vital to achieving the best results.

Patients with hard-to-control metabolic factors

Some people face genetic or metabolic hurdles that make weight management exceptionally challenging. GLP-1s can help bridge that gap, providing extra support where willpower and standard lifestyle interventions might not suffice on their own.

By combining medical guidance, like that from the experts of SimpleFixRx, with regular follow-ups and a commitment to healthier habits, eligible patients may find these therapies to be a game-changer in achieving sustainable weight management and better overall health.

GLP Squared

Some compound pharmacies are now combining options for GLP medications, allowing for the microdosing of a combination of GLP and GLP1/GIP. Microdosing has numerous benefits for patients, including reduced nausea, a more steady release of medication, and decreased inflammation, among others. SimpleFix does offer GLP squared, and it is less expensive than GLP1/ GIP alone.

The SimpleFixRx approach

SimpleFixRx specializes in providing personalized healthcare solutions, including access to GLP-1 therapies, through a convenient, patient-centered platform. Their team of licensed healthcare providers works closely with patients to:

Assess eligibility: SimpleFixRx professionals review each patient’s medical history, lifestyle habits, and specific health goals to determine if GLP-1 therapy is appropriate.

Offer comprehensive care plans: Beyond prescribing medications, SimpleFixRx aims to create a holistic approach that includes nutritional guidance and exercise plans, ensuring GLP-1 therapy is supported by healthier daily habits.

Monitor progress: Through regular follow-up appointments, patients can collaborate with the SimpleFixRx team to fine-tune their regimen and address any side effects or emerging concerns.

Potential side effects and considerations

While GLP-1s offer noteworthy benefits, they aren’t free of potential drawbacks. The most frequently reported side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and, in some cases, vomiting — especially when first beginning treatment — but these often ease as your body adjusts. Other, more serious risks include pancreatitis or gallbladder issues, though these are generally less common.

Your medical history and personal goals should guide any decision to start GLP-1 therapy. Certain gastrointestinal or thyroid conditions, for instance, could make these medications less suitable. Women who are or might become pregnant also need specialized guidance, as safety data for pregnancy remains limited.

Making the decision with SimpleFixRx

Dr. Garrett H. Garner, M.D., F.A.C.O.G., a board-certified OB/GYN with over two decades of experience in North Texas, highlights the importance of individualized care. “We take the time to review each patient’s medical history, dietary habits, and long-term health objectives. Medications like GLP-1/ GIP or GLP-1 can be game-changers — but they work best within a broader strategy that includes nutrition, exercise, and regular follow-up.”

Before you opt for any GLP-1 medication, consider asking your healthcare provider or a service like SimpleFixRx these five questions:

“Am I a good candidate for GLP-1s based on my health profile?”
“How will this therapy interact with other treatments or conditions I have?”
“What lifestyle changes, if any, should I implement to maximize the benefits?”
“Which medication — GLP-1/ GIP vs. GLP-1 — would best suit my needs?”
“How often should I schedule follow-up appointments to assess progress and adjust my treatment plan?”

By partnering with a dedicated healthcare service like SimpleFixRx, you can gain access to expert guidance, personalized care plans, and ongoing support — all crucial components to long-term success.

These therapies are tools, not magic solutions, as sustainable progress often hinges on a combination of effective medication, mindful eating, regular physical activity, and consistent medical oversight. However, with the proper support structure and commitment, GLP-1 medications can be a transformative part of your journey toward better health.