Services



	Table of Contents
	What Is A Dentist Anesthesiologist Anesthesia In Your Dental Office Procedures Which Can Be Performed Under Anesthesia Which Patients Can Benefit From The Use Of Anesthesia Preoperative Evaluation Post-Operative Support Financial Considerations

	What Is A Dentist Anesthesiologist A dentist anesthesiologist is a dentist who is trained extensively in the specialized field of anesthesia. Training consists of a two-year general anesthesia residency that involves care provided in a hospital operating room, outpatient surgery center and private practice environment. Clinical training includes rotations in emergency medicine, internal medicine, cardiology, acute and chronic pain management, and many other fields. The dentist anesthesiologist comes to your office equipped with an advanced computer controlled monitor, pulse oximeter, precordial stethoscope, electro-cardiograph, blood pressure monitor, oxygen, all necessary medications and even a portable defibrillator (for cardiac emergencies). The dentist anesthesiologist uses anesthetics, which are administered intravenously and can be titrated for different levels of general anesthesia/sedation. The patient is continuously monitored during dental procedures and recovery by the dentist anesthesiologist. Back to Top

	Anesthesia In Your Dental Office Anesthesia can be performed in your dental office easily and safely. The dentist anesthesiologist will come to your office equipped with everything needed to provide safe and effective anesthesia services. Treating patients while under anesthesia is beneficial to both patient and dentist. Extensive treatment plans can often be completed in one visit. Back to Top

	Procedures Which Can Be Performed Under Anesthesia The most common uses for anesthesia in dentistry are: lengthy dental procedures such as crowns and bridges, surgical procedures such as periodontics, endodontics, implants, extractions, pediatric treatment plans. Back to Top

	Which Patients Can Benefit From The Use Of Anesthesia Children: It is common for children to be afraid of dental procedures. They are often uncooperative, making treatment difficult. Anesthesia allows for lengthy or multiple procedures to be completed by the dentist in one visit. Children will not recall the actual procedure after anesthesia. This results in a child that is less apprehensive towards future treatment. Physically/medically compromised patients: Patients who have high blood pressure, heart disease, asthma, TMJ, downs syndrome, cerebral palsy, seizure disorders, or mental retardation can benefit from the use of sedation or general anesthesia to complete dental procedures. The dentist anesthesiologist is trained to deal with the specific needs of these patients. Others who may benefit are patients with gagging problems, patients with a history of problems with local anesthetics, patients with time constraints (multiple procedures can be completed in less time when patients are sedated or under general anesthesia), and patients with low pain thresholds. Anxious patients: Many patients avoid having procedures done because their level of anxiety is too high. Offering these patients anesthesia in your dental office can decrease their anxiety. Sedation or general anesthesia relaxes the patient and permits the dentist to provide the necessary care allowing for the highest quality treatment. Many patients may not recall the actual procedure. Back to Top

	Preoperative Evaluation A complete health history and review of medical history will be completed and reviewed by the dentist anesthesiologist prior to the date of surgery. Any lab work or consultations must also be completed prior to surgery. A physical examination will be performed the day of the surgery. The patient will participate in a discussion of the options available for anesthesia. The risks and benefits will also be discussed in order that the patient may make an informed decision. The dentist anesthesiologist will obtain a signed informed consent for dentistry under general anesthesia/sedation at the time of surgery. Back to Top

	Post-Operative Support Post-operative instructions are given verbally to the patient and/or their care provider by the dentist anesthesiologist. All patients are given an emergency contact phone number after surgery. The dentist anesthesiologist tries to call all patients post-operatively to follow-up on their anesthetic recovery. Back to Top

	Financial Considerations All fees are collected at the time service is rendered. Patients will be provided with an estimate and the office given a fee schedule from which they can estimate overall fees. Insurance coverage cannot be guaranteed. If coverage is provided, the patient will be responsible for seeking reimbursement through their insurance company. Back to Top

Table of Contents

Revised: October 28, 2002 .