Safe & Comfortable Anesthesia

Your safety and comfort is our priority

Oral Surgery does not have to be painful or fearful. If the thought of staying awake and "feeling everything" is daunting to you, look no further. As a medical doctor, Dr Choi underwent extensive anesthesia training to deliver safe & comfortable anesthesia for his patients. For the past 10 years, Dr Choi has been certified by the American Heart Association (AHA) - Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), Advanced Pediatric Life Support (PALS) and BLS (Basic Life Support). In addition, he is a Certified BLS Instructor with American Red Cross to teach other doctors reach certification. Our doctor & office is fully licensed and inspected by the State of New York and the governing bodies to provide safe and effective anesthesia that suits your needs.

At Park Avenue Oral, Maxillofacial & Implant Surgery, we provide -

Local Anesthetic
Nitrous Oxide (Laughing gas)
IV Sedation (Twilight)
Pediatric & General Anesthesia (Hospital grade)

Upon discussion with the doctor, we will tailor your anesthetic depending on your needs and medical condition. Please read more below.

Local Anesthetic

This is what most people call "Novocaine" shots.

Although we don't use novocaine (which is simply just a type of medication to achieve numbing in the area), it's commonly referred to as such. Now we have better alternatives that are more effective and hypoallergenic, such as "Lidocaine" which is one of the most commonly used local anesthetic in the field of medicine & dentistry.

Depending on the type of procedure. Dr Choi will employ different types of local anesthetics to achieve desire effects such as longer duration of anesthesia (so you're kept comfortable after surgery) and faster onset (so you're numb quickly). Also depending on your heart condition or existing bone condition, Dr Choi may use a specific local anesthetic to minimize potential complications after surgery.

The technique for administering local anesthetic is crucial, as it is often the most painful part of the procedure. Dr Choi uses his minimally invasive techniques to minimize pain during administration so you're kept comfortable during the procedure.

Nitrous Oxide
(Laughing Gas)

Nitrous oxide, commonly referred to as "Laughing gas", contrary to its name most patients actually don't laugh during the procedure (sorry to disappoint!).

However, what it is more accurately is an Anxiolytic, which means it helps with anxiety. Nitrous Oxide does this by delivering Nitrous Oxide air that you would inhale through your nose, where it reaches your lungs to take effect. Commonly, patients says they feel like they're "floating in the clouds", and it allows them to take mind off of the procedure. What is important to note is that you are still "Awake" but not as "Aware". For patients who are extremely anxious or has used Nitrous Oxide in the past that hasn't worked, Nitrous Oxide doesn't work well.

IV Sedation
(Twilight Sedation)

Anesthesia of choice for most Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery.

Have you had anyone who's had colonoscopy or endoscopy where they were "sleep" for the procedure? This is it. It's not quite General Anesthesia since you area basically breathing on your own and blood pressure maintained by yourself. All we would be doing is to "medically induce sleep" with medications through the IV so that you would be essentially just sleeping throughout the procedure. There is no invasive airway or invasive monitoring needed.

The depth of anesthesia is such that if you imagine yourself sleeping and if your family member taps you on the shoulder, you would be arousable and wake up immediately.

If you are recommended to undergo IV sedation -

Plan to have nothing to eat or drink 6 hours before the procedure
Coordinate an adult to pick you up after the procedure

General & Pediatric Anesthesia

Because we take your safety seriously

General Anesthesia

When indicated, you and your doctor will decide on General Anesthesia as a method of anesthesia. This requires advanced secure airway and monitoring. This can be due to complex medical conditions, severe airway issues or multifactorial factors. Ultimately, the decision is made mutually between you and your doctor for your safety. We will coordinate with our attending MD anesthesiologist to schedule for your surgery

Pediatric Anesthesia

Our pediatric patients under the age of 13, when indicated may also need to undergo anesthesia.

With kids especially, the emphasis is put on making sure we deliver the safest care and the most comfortable care for them so it leaves them with a pleasant experience as they grow into an adult. Too often we see neglect in adulthood stemming from traumatizing healthcare experience in the past so we understand how important this is. When indicated we will coordinate with our pediatric fellowship trained MD anesthesiologist to schedule for your child's surgery