IV Sedation:
IV sedation is a very safe and predictable option in healthy patients when administered by an experienced clinician with proper training and accepted protocol. The patient is continually monitored during anesthesia, and emergency equipment is kept on hand. The medications used have a long history of safety and are short-acting. Anesthesia is also safe in patients with respiratory problems or cardiovascular disease, providing that precautions are taken. To avoid possible airway compromise, patients with severe upper respiratory concerns, such as a severe cold with stuffy nose and productive cough, are advised to postpone the surgery until they feel better.
Our facility is equipped with emergency equipment and medications, and the entire team is trained to manage any possible complications quickly and properly. The surgeon is CPR and ACLS certified and can effectively and quickly manage any complications that might arise. Suburban Hospital is in close proximity in the event additional assistance is required.
Allergies to IV sedation medications are extremely rare.
Nitrous Oxide Sedation:
Laughing gas is extremely safe for both children and adults and has no long lasting side effects. It is always administered with a minimum of 30% oxygen.
Local Anesthesia:
Local anesthesia when administered properly, is very safe. People often use the term “novocaine” when talking about local anesthetics, even though novocaine has not been used in dentistry for decades (both because it wears off too quickly and because allergies to novocain and other ester-based -caines are relatively common). All the -caines used for local anesthesia these days are “amides” rather than “esters.”
True allergies to local anesthetics are extremely rare. only a few cases have been reported worldwide. Some people may be allergic to the preservatives in local anesthetics. In rare cases patients may experience heart palpitations, shaking, sweating, or feeling faint, which are not the symptoms of an allergy, but side effects that can be readily managed.