There are now many dentists in New Hampshire who are offering safe IV sedation with a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). Allowing both adults and children to get the oral health care they so desperately need. Having a CRNA come to the office to perform IV sedation is rewarding for both the dental practice, they can now reach more people, and the patients reap the benefits of healthy teeth and gums.
As a parent, I was concerned after I saw reports in the media concerning complications around IV sedation, I decided to do my own research.
The safety concern is the single ‘operator-anesthetist’ model practices by many dentists. While many people have never heard of this type of practice, yet it is being done every day.
A single ‘operator-anesthetist’ can be compared to a surgeon performing both the procedure and the sedation at the same time. In a surgical setting, a physician needs the assistance from a nurse anesthesiologist, as well as a medical assistant and registered nurse.
While many dentists are doing both the procedure and sedation by themselves, or they have a dental sedation assisted supervising the procedure. How much training does a dental assistant have? Dental Careers EDU describes “Dental assistants in New Hampshire may perform supportive functions under the general or direct oversight of a licensed dentist. There are no education or training requirements for this level of dental assisting.”
IV sedation can be a game changer, since they are able to have several procedures done in one appointment, they can make up for years of years of missed dental visits, giving them a beautiful smile and tons of self confidence.
I found some important factors when it comes to IV sedation. When it is administered by an experienced and qualified CRNA, it has been proven to be safe and effective. Not only has it allowed my daughter to receive the necessary oral health care she desperately needed, going to the dentist isn’t a huge ordeal anymore! Which means she will have a lifetime good oral health care.
If you or a loved one has dental anxiety, special needs, or isn’t able to sit for long periods of time, IV sedation is definitely worth looking into.
