A child wonders what the first day of school will be like. Someone is about to start a new job. A young couple is about to be married.

All of these situations are classic anxiety producers. What they have in common is that each involves the unknown. And that's what anxiety is: the fear of an upcoming specific event that, in all likelihood, you've never before experienced.

THE LESS YOU WORRY, THE EASIER IT WILL BE

An upcoming visit to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon is another potential anxiety producer. In this case, the individual typically is most concerned with possible pain - whether the procedure is going to hurt.

Modern technology now makes it possible to perform complex surgery in the office with little or no discomfort. Knowing this should start to bring your anxiety level down to a minimum.

EXTENSIVE SCHOOLING AND EXPERIENCE IN THE CONTROL OF PAIN AND ANXIETY

Your oral and maxillofacial surgeon not only is a specialist in dealing with problems of the mouth, teeth and jaws, but also is experienced in dealing with the control of pain and anxiety.

During years of hospital training, the oral and maxillofacial surgeon receives extensive schooling in medical and dental aspects of anesthesia. Your oral and maxillofacial surgeon is thoroughly knowledgeable in pain and anxiety control and possesses extensive clinical experience in anesthesia techniques, from local anesthesia to sedation to general anesthesia.

PUTTING YOUR MIND AT EASE

One of the things your oral and maxillofacial surgeon has been taught in terms of reducing anxiety is the importance of making the patient aware of what to expect during surgery. It's usually true; the more you know, the less you have to be anxious about. That's why beforehand, you'll review with your surgeon the type of anesthetic to be used, as well as the way you're likely to feel during the operation. Your oral and maxillofacial surgeon will answer any questions you may have about any facet of the operation.

During surgery, one or more of the following can be used in controlling pain and anxiety: local anesthesia, nitrous oxide-oxygen, intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. Commonly, patients describe their feelings during surgery as surprisingly pleasant, without a care in the world.

After surgery, your oral and maxillofacial surgeon can prescribe a number of medications to make you as comfortable as possible when you get home.

Suffice it to say that before, during and after surgery, your oral and maxillofacial surgeon truly shares your concern for your well being. Beyond that, though, your oral and maxillofacial surgeon also has the training, the knowledge and the experience to make your visit as pleasant and comfortable as it possibly can be.

Portions of the above information provided as a courtesy by:

American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
9700 W. Bryn Mawr Avenue
Rosemont, Illinois 60018-5701
847/678-6200 Fax: 847/678-6286
Website: www.aaoms.org