Medical practices have been safely using IV sedation for a variety of procedures for decades, from surgery to imaging. Why not for dentistry?
The answer is simple. Parenteral and oral sedation are taught in medical schools, while the use of nitrous oxide is taught in dental school.
The typical dentist starts their career where nitrous oxide is used in the practice. While medical practitioners tend to use sedation for minor invasive and diagnostic procedures.
Today’s dental patients are looking for the same experience when it comes to their oral health. This is particularly true when it comes to patients who a dental phobia, disability, severe gag reflex, or situation where they have difficulty sitting for a long period of time.
Safety is a Priority
Safety should always be a priority for both the dentist and patient. Like any type of sedation, there are guidelines set forth by the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. IV sedation affects the central nervous system (and therefore consciousness), it is required to have trained personnel to monitor breathing and vital signs.
Just like in a medical situation where the doctor has a separate anesthesiologist, the dentist should have a separate Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). This way the dentist can concentrate on the procedure, while the CRNA monitors the vital signs, breathing, and is thoroughly trained for emergency situations.
Pediatric Considerations
Pediatric dentistry takes special consideration. “Pediatric oral sedation has become an amazing game changer for dental practices that treat children. The benefits to all involved make it a treatment modality that is becoming more widely sought. sedation requires advanced education, additional equipment, and different supplies.” Dental Economics.
Sedation Dentistry has helped many patients in New Hampshire, bringing hospital level sedation to your dental office. As a highly regarded nurse anesthetist, Blue Sky Solutions partners with some of the top rated dentist in cities such as, Barrington, Concord, Amherst, Nashua, Rochester, and Dover.
Contact Blue Sky Solutions for more information and to make an appointment.