Remedy Land

Answers to commonly asked questions about sedation in our dental office

Is anesthesia only for people anxious about their dental care?

Many patients enjoy the comfort of completing long or involved procedures in a relaxed, comfortable environment. In addition patients with medical problems like heart disease, high blood pressure, asthma, diabetes, TMJ etc. employ anesthesia to provide extra safety during the procedure. Physicians are generally more at ease knowing their patients are being monitored by an anesthesiologist who is providing a more comfortable environment for their medically compromised patients.

What type of anesthesia is used?

All forms of anesthesia are available, from local anesthesia ("novocaine") alone, to general anesthesia, where the patient is completely asleep throughout the procedure. The type of anesthesia employed for each is based upon the patient’s needs and desires amount and nature of the dentinal care needed, and the medical history of the patient. Most patients request a level of anesthesia between mild sedation and general anesthesia.

How safe is in-office anesthesia?

In the state of California, when a separate anesthesiologist is monitoring the patient, the safety record over the past twenty-six years is 100%. The anesthesiologist is present throughout the procedure, never leaving the patients side. He/she employs the latest up-to-date monitoring equipment giving him moment-to-moment information on the patients’s well being.

How will I be monitored during dental care?

The anesthesiologist is present throughout the procedure, never leaving the patients side. In addition he/she will use the following state-of-the art equipment.

• Electrocardiograph: to continuously monitor the rate and rhythm of the heart.
• Pulse oximetry: to continuously monitor blood oxygen levels.
• Non-invasive blood pressure: to automatically and continuously monitor blood pressure.
• Pericardial stethoscope: to continuously monitor heart rate and respiration.
• Continuous delivery of Oxygen: for maximum patient safety.
• Complete range of necessary equipment and medications are available at all time for safety.

Can all my dental needs be completed in one visit?

With the addition of anesthesia, dental care that would normally require several visits can be completed in one appointment. The number of actual visits requires is dependent on the type of dental care required. Quality is never sacrificed for expediency.

How soon after anesthesia will I be able to resume normal activity?

The great majority of patients resume normal activity the next day, but this depends on the nature and length of the procedure.

How will I feel afterwards?

In most instances you will be able to leave the dental office within 60 minutes of completion of the procedure. Most patients relax the rest of the day. Dietary restrictions are usually nominal, but are dependent on the procedure rendered. Most patients resume normal activity the next day, However in cases of extensive oral surgery some short-term limitations may be recommended.