Types of Sedation

What Type of Sedation Will You Need?

Anesthetic techniques and selection will depend on certain patient factors, such as, oral health services being performed and the procedure length. Our team will collaborate with you and the patient to create a safe and efficient anesthetic plan for each case.

Please know that while our anesthesiologists are very experienced in providing all categories of sedation, we are typically requested for deep sedation/general anesthesia. This is because the other options can be offered by your dentist and typically, they request our services when they do not believe that these other less deep sedation services will be successful for the patient.

Each Procedure Is Specific To Our Patient’s Needs

Types of Sedation Provided

We Are Here To Help With Any Concerns You Might Have

Minimal Sedation (Anxiolysis): Minimal sedation is a drug-induced state during which patients respond normally to verbal commands and are relatively awake, but remain in an induced relaxed state.

Moderate Sedation/Analgesia (Conscious Sedation): Moderate Sedation is a drug-induced depression of consciousness during which patients respond to verbal commands, either alone or accompanied by light tactile stimulation. Patients will feel drowsy and may sleep through the procedure and may or may not remember being in the procedure room. Our Anesthesiologist will continually monitor vital signs, including heart rate, blood pressure and oxygen levels, which will be watched closely to avoid sudden changes or complications.

Deep Sedation: Deep sedation is a drug-induced depression of consciousness during which patients cannot be easily aroused but respond following repeated or painful physical stimulation. Patients will have little to no memory of the procedure. During the procedure, breathing can slow down and patients may sleep until the medication wears off. Supplemental oxygen is also administered as needed.

General Anesthesia: General Anesthesia is a drug-induced loss of consciousness during which patients are unconscious, unresponsive, and unable to be aroused, even by painful stimulation. There are several general anesthetic drugs, some are gases or vapors inhaled through a breathing mask or tube, while some are medications introduced through a vein. The patient is carefully monitored, controlled, and treated by our anesthesiologist, who will use sophisticated equipment to track all major bodily functions. A breathing tube may be inserted through the mouth and frequently into the windpipe to maintain proper breathing during this period. The length and level of anesthesia is calculated and constantly adjusted with great precision. At the conclusion of surgery, the Anesthesiologist will reverse the process and the patient regains consciousness.