Another state has brought up changes in Dental sedation after another patient suffered complications. According to a recent article WWAY3 News.
One change is having an anesthesiologist present during procedures, something Shital Patel is advocating for. Her husband Dr. Henry Patel died in August 2020 at age 53, following a complication after receiving anesthesia for an oral procedure.
Patel believes having a separate anesthesiologist present to administer and monitor anesthesia, like there is in a hospital setting, will make things safer.
“Medical doctors cannot do this, simultaneously do a procedure and give sedation at the same time in a hospital, but oral surgeons and dental professionals can do it in their own office without a CRNA or an anesthesiologist,” she said
It is impossible to focus on both the dental procedure and safe sedation, by the time the dentist notices a problem, it could be too late.
In promoting safety during dental procedures, many dentists in New Hampshire, Vermont, and Massat are following suite with other states who have barred, “the single operator model of simultaneously providing deep sedation or general anesthesia and dental treatment.”
It’s important to have a separate nurse anesthetist, whose sole purpose is to perform the sedation and monitor the patient’s vital signs. Ensure they are experienced and properly trained in providing IV sedation, as well as meeting all the standards of the ADA Guidelines for the Use of Sedation and General Anesthesia by Dentists.
This is why so many dental offices are partnering with Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA). Someone who is qualified/certified to administer the sedation and monitor vital signs during the procedure, for the safest and most effective form of sedation.
Blue Sky Solutions Anesthesia Associates follow the strict American Dental Association guidelines and protocols throughout the procedure. Prior to your appointment, Certified, Registered and Licensed Nurse Anesthesiologist Dwayne Thibeault will work closely with you to determine the best course of treatment and answer any questions.
