Sedation Dentistry FAQ
|
| • | To guard the patient's safety and welfare |
| • | To minimize physical discomfort and pain |
| • | To control anxiety, minimize psychological trauma and maximize the potential for amnesia |
| • | To control behavior and/or movement so as to allow the safe completion of the procedure |
| • | To return the patient to a state in which safe discharge from medical supervision is possible |
| • | Mild Sedation is a drug-induced state during which patients respond normally to verbal commands. Although cognitive function and coordination may be impaired, breathing and heart functions are unaffected. |
| • | Moderate Sedation is a drug-induced depression of consciousness during which patients respond purposefully to verbal commands. With moderate sedation, no intervention is required to maintain an open airway, spontaneous breathing is adequate, and heart function is usually maintained. |
| • | Deep Sedation is a drug-induced depression of consciousness during which patients cannot be easily aroused but respond purposefully after repeated verbal stimulations. The ability to independently maintain breathing may be impaired requiring assistance to maintain an open airway. Heart function is usually maintained. This is the type of sedation being provided with in-office IV sedation. |
| • | General Anesthesia is a drug-induced loss of consciousness during which patients are not arousable, even by painful stimulation. The ability to independently maintain breathing is often impaired requiring assistance to maintain an open airway, and positive-pressure ventilation may be required because of depressed spontaneous ventilation or drug-induced depression of neuromuscular function. Heart function may be impaired. This is the type of sedation being provided in a hospital care setting. |
| • | For IV sedation, refer to our IV sedation post-operative instructions. |
| • | For hospital care, refer to our hospital care sedation post-operative instructions. |
