Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
Below are the answers to the most frequently asked questions regarding IV sedation and general anesthesia. If you have additional questions, please do not hesitate to call or email Dr. Le with your questions.
Why is IV sedation or general anesthesia necessary for a dental procedure?
Most minor dental procedures can be done under local anesthesia only. This type of anesthesia only numbs the nerves in the tooth and the soft tissues around the tooth. On occasion, nitrous oxide (a.k.a laughing gas) is used to add a small degree of relief from the anxiety. However, pre-cooperative children, anxious adults, patients with a history of local anesthetic failure, patients with a significant gag reflex, and patients with physical or mental disabilities may require a deeper level of sedation or even general anesthesia. With modern advances in dentistry, some complex procedures are very long and patients may benefit from IV sedation or general anesthesia in that it makes the entire experience significantly more comfortable. Some patients are completely unable to recall portions of the experience or simply forget the experience in its entirety. It also increases the efficiency of the dental work performed, so it tends to decrease the number of appointments necessary to complete your treatment.
Will I get to speak directly to Dr. Le?
Yes. Dr. Le will contact you to discuss the procedure, ask questions about your health history, and go over important pre- and post-anesthetic instructions. If necessary, your physician will be contacted to discuss medical issues relevant to the safe and effective delivery of anesthesia. Additional diagnostic information, such as blood tests and/or an EKG (electrocardiogram), may be ordered. After reviewing your health history and any relevant diagnostic information, Dr. Le will consult with your dentist regarding whether you are an appropriate candidate for IV sedation or general anesthesia. On occasion, it may be decided that it is more appropriate for you to receive your IV sedation or general anesthesia in a hospital setting.
How should I prepare my child for his/her procedure?
Reassure your child by explaining everything beforehand. Bringing his/her favorite toy or blanket is also comforting. The most important thing is for the parent to remain calm and confident. If the parent is frightened, the child will also become anxious. Please refer to the important pre- and post-anesthetic instructions.
Is IV sedation or general anesthesia safe?
Yes, when it is administered by a qualified professional. Dentist anesthesiologists have an unsurpassed record for safe sedation and general anesthesia in a dental office. Dentist anesthesiologists receive years of training dedicated solely to the practice of anesthesiology. It is important that you check the credentials of the person administering your sedation or general anesthesia. Dr. Le is constantly monitoring your blood pressure, heart rate, electrocardiogram, oxygen saturation, temperature, and end-tidal CO2 (if intubated). She also listens to your breath and heart sounds with a precordial stethoscope. This level of monitoring is equivalent to a hospital-grade anesthetic. Dr. Le will also stay with you throughout the entire procedure.
What will happen the day of surgery?
Typically, you will be asked to arrive 30 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment. You will fill out a health history form and Dr. Le will perform a focused physical exam. Dr. Le will also go over informed consent with you. Assuming no significant changes in your health history or other events that may compromise the safety of the delivery of your anesthetic, we will proceed with your treatment.
How should I prepare for surgery?
Please refer to our important pre- and post-anesthetic instructions.
Will I have a breathing tube?
While most medical procedures require a breathing tube, most dental procedures do not since the procedure allows for the patient to maintain his/her breathing spontaneously. Depending on the situation, a breathing tube may be appropriate for certain patients or dental procedures. This decision will be made on a case by case basis.
What can I expect after surgery?
Most patients will feel sleepy after the procedure and throughout the remainder of the day. Allow yourself to recover from the anesthesia by staying indoors and resting. Ensure that a responsible adult is with you at home for the remainder of the day. If you are a parent and your child received anesthesia, you should supervise them for the remainder of the day and accompany them to the restroom to make sure that they do not fall.
Why is IV sedation or general anesthesia necessary for a dental procedure?
Most minor dental procedures can be done under local anesthesia only. This type of anesthesia only numbs the nerves in the tooth and the soft tissues around the tooth. On occasion, nitrous oxide (a.k.a laughing gas) is used to add a small degree of relief from the anxiety. However, pre-cooperative children, anxious adults, patients with a history of local anesthetic failure, patients with a significant gag reflex, and patients with physical or mental disabilities may require a deeper level of sedation or even general anesthesia. With modern advances in dentistry, some complex procedures are very long and patients may benefit from IV sedation or general anesthesia in that it makes the entire experience significantly more comfortable. Some patients are completely unable to recall portions of the experience or simply forget the experience in its entirety. It also increases the efficiency of the dental work performed, so it tends to decrease the number of appointments necessary to complete your treatment.
Will I get to speak directly to Dr. Le?
Yes. Dr. Le will contact you to discuss the procedure, ask questions about your health history, and go over important pre- and post-anesthetic instructions. If necessary, your physician will be contacted to discuss medical issues relevant to the safe and effective delivery of anesthesia. Additional diagnostic information, such as blood tests and/or an EKG (electrocardiogram), may be ordered. After reviewing your health history and any relevant diagnostic information, Dr. Le will consult with your dentist regarding whether you are an appropriate candidate for IV sedation or general anesthesia. On occasion, it may be decided that it is more appropriate for you to receive your IV sedation or general anesthesia in a hospital setting.
How should I prepare my child for his/her procedure?
Reassure your child by explaining everything beforehand. Bringing his/her favorite toy or blanket is also comforting. The most important thing is for the parent to remain calm and confident. If the parent is frightened, the child will also become anxious. Please refer to the important pre- and post-anesthetic instructions.
Is IV sedation or general anesthesia safe?
Yes, when it is administered by a qualified professional. Dentist anesthesiologists have an unsurpassed record for safe sedation and general anesthesia in a dental office. Dentist anesthesiologists receive years of training dedicated solely to the practice of anesthesiology. It is important that you check the credentials of the person administering your sedation or general anesthesia. Dr. Le is constantly monitoring your blood pressure, heart rate, electrocardiogram, oxygen saturation, temperature, and end-tidal CO2 (if intubated). She also listens to your breath and heart sounds with a precordial stethoscope. This level of monitoring is equivalent to a hospital-grade anesthetic. Dr. Le will also stay with you throughout the entire procedure.
What will happen the day of surgery?
Typically, you will be asked to arrive 30 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment. You will fill out a health history form and Dr. Le will perform a focused physical exam. Dr. Le will also go over informed consent with you. Assuming no significant changes in your health history or other events that may compromise the safety of the delivery of your anesthetic, we will proceed with your treatment.
How should I prepare for surgery?
Please refer to our important pre- and post-anesthetic instructions.
Will I have a breathing tube?
While most medical procedures require a breathing tube, most dental procedures do not since the procedure allows for the patient to maintain his/her breathing spontaneously. Depending on the situation, a breathing tube may be appropriate for certain patients or dental procedures. This decision will be made on a case by case basis.
What can I expect after surgery?
Most patients will feel sleepy after the procedure and throughout the remainder of the day. Allow yourself to recover from the anesthesia by staying indoors and resting. Ensure that a responsible adult is with you at home for the remainder of the day. If you are a parent and your child received anesthesia, you should supervise them for the remainder of the day and accompany them to the restroom to make sure that they do not fall.
Telephone: (949) 374-8045 Fax: (888) 351-1887 Email: kathrynle@ddsanesthesia.com