Adult
Goal
Our goal is to allow a necessary procedure to be accomplished, in an office setting, safely and comfortably.Methods
An intravenous (i.v.) catheter is started, and connected to tubing and i.v. fluid. The i.v. is used to administer the sedative drugs, and any additional drugs which may be necessary. It also provides access in the unlikely event that emergency drugs need to be given. Depending on the individual situation, an oral medication may be ordered prior to, or upon arrival to the office.Medications
Oral pre-op medications are occasionally given, and these are usually a sedative type drug. I.V. medication is typically composed of midazolam (Versed), a sedative, ketamine, a dissociative drug, and an amnestic/hypnotic called propofol (Diprivan). These are given according to the patient's weight, and are administered by an infusion pump, which can be adjusted on a moment-to-moment basis. These drugs are very short acting, and therefore wear off very quickly. Oxygen is usually used.Monitoring
An EKG monitors the heart rhythm. A pulse oximeter monitors blood oxygen levels. An automatic blood pressure monitor is also used. Close observation is employed.Recovery and Post-op
Patients are usually ready to leave the office within one hour of the conclusion of the procedure. They will be able to sit and stand without any undesirable symptoms, and they will be able to walk by themselves or with minimal help. The patient should take pain medications, as prescribed by their doctor, without worry of interaction with any of the sedative drugs. They may eat or drink as allowed by their doctor. They should not drive, operate machinery, or make important decisions until the next day. They must have an adult available at their home on the evening of surgery.I.V. Starts in Uncooperative Mentally Handicapped Adults
If you believe the patient cannot cooperate with an i.v. start, we will modify our approach. We will administer an intramuscular injection in the patient's buttock, leg, or arm. This can be accomplished through the clothing, if necessary. The medicine is not painful, just the needle stick. Within 3-4 minutes they become drowsy, stare vacantly, and often become flaccid. The i.v. will then be started without the patient's awareness.Risks
All anesthetics carry a risk. These include, but are not limited to cardiac arrest, allergic reactions, aspiration of stomach contents into lungs, nerve damage, and even death. With modern anesthetic agents and monitoring devices, however, the overall risk in the United States is very small. Indeed, statistically, your chances of death are greater during your trips to and from the facility, than during the anesthetic itself. We have resuscitation equipment and medications on hand, as well as years of experience in dealing with emergencies and airway management in the hospital setting.Alternatives
The alternative site for your procedure would be a hospital setting. Non-treatment is also an alternative.
Pediatric
Goal
To allow your child's dental procedure to be accomplished, in an office setting, safely and comfortably.Methods
An intravenous (i.v.) catheter is started, and connected to tubing and i.v. fluid. In cooperative children, this is accomplished utilizing a local anesthetic on the skin, which is administered by inserting the tip of a very small needle just under the surface of the skin. Your child will experience only a slight sting. In children who are unable to cooperate, we will administer an intramuscular injection of medications (see below) which will allow us to place an i.v. without them being aware of it. We will ask the child to give the parent a 'big bear hug", and the parent should hug the child tightly, keeping their arms clear of the upper part of the buttocks. The injection will be administered quickly, through the clothing, and we will try to convince the child that a mosquito has bitten them. The medication does not sting, and the reactions of children can vary greatly. Many children don't cry, some cry mildly, and some respond vigorously. Within several minutes the child will be unaware of their surroundings, and an i.v. can be safely placed. Occasionally, a parent will prefer to tell the child that they will be getting a shot. We will be happy to do this, but our experience leads us to favor the surprise approach, as the child doesn't become apprehensive, and doesn't tighten their muscles prior to the injection.After the i.v. is placed, it will be used to administer sedative drugs, and any additional drugs which may be necessary. It also provides access in the unlikely event that emergency drugs need to be administered.
Medications
Intramuscular Ketalar (ketamine) and Versed (midazolam) may be used if the patient is uncooperative. This combination of drugs works quickly, and the child will become unresponsive within several minutes. They will typically stare blankly, and become flaccid. They may also drool and become teary eyed. These are normal responses to the medication, and are not cause for alarm.I.V. medication is typically composed of an amnestic/hypnotic called Diprivan (propofol). This is given according to the patient's weight, and is administered by an infusion pump, which can be adjusted on a moment-to-moment basis. These drugs are very short acting, and therefore wear off very quickly. Supplemental oxygen is usually given, as well.
Dental restoration carries a high incidence of post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV). For this reason, anti-nausea drugs are given through the i.v. in all cases, as a preventative measure. The overall occurrence of PONV with our protocol is extremely low. When it occurs, it is usually self-limiting, meaning vomiting may occur once or twice, and the nausea subsides. Unchecked vomiting in a child can be a very serious problem. If your child experiences PONV at home which lasts for more than two hours, notify your dentist, who will prescribe an anti-nausea suppository.