What Type of Anesthesia Is Used for Jaw Surgery?

What Type of Anesthesia Is Used for Jaw Surgery?

Understanding the anesthesia used for jaw surgery can help ease concerns. Here is what to expect.

Orthognathic surgery is performed under general anesthesia — you are completely asleep and feel nothing during the procedure.

• Why general anesthesia is needed:
• The surgery involves making cuts in facial bones
• The surgeon needs you to be perfectly still
• The procedure can take 2–6 hours
• You have a breathing tube placed through your nose (nasotracheal intubation)

• What happens with anesthesia:
• An anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist manages your anesthesia throughout the procedure
• You are monitored continuously (heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels)
• A breathing tube is placed through your nose so it does not interfere with the jaw surgery
• You receive IV fluids and medications
• Anti-nausea medication is given to reduce post-op nausea

• Waking up:
• You wake up in the recovery room with the anesthesia team monitoring you
• The breathing tube is removed before you wake up
• You may feel groggy for several hours
• Pain medication is started before you wake up

Is There Another Option?

• General anesthesia is the standard for jaw surgery. It is not an option to have the procedure under local anesthesia or sedation alone because:
• The surgery involves deep bone cuts
• The surgeon needs to work near important structures (nerves, sinuses)
• You need to be immobile for several hours

Clinical Guidance

Jaw surgery requires general anesthesia — you are completely asleep with a breathing tube placed through your nose. A dedicated anesthesia team monitors you throughout the procedure and manages your pain and comfort.