Sedation
The patient enjoys a pleasant sleep whilst breathing by themselves and maintaining protective reflexes. Adequate local anaesthetic will still need to be administered after the patient is sedated. The procedure is safe and effective when carried out by suitably trained practitioners and complications are very rare.
Advantages for Patient and Dentist
The patient is treated by their chosen dentist in the familiar surroundings of their regular practice. Recovery is less complicated than with a GA and usually the patient can return home 20-30 minutes after the treatment is complete. The cost is usually significantly less compared to a hospital visit.
Dentists can treat their patients in their own surgeries in an environment that they have become used to with regular staff. The service will provide an alternative to just LA or GA for most patients and likely to enhance practice profile.
Legislation
Guidelines on conscious sedation for dental procedures are given by the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA), ADA and DBA. I am appropriately trained and equipped to satisfy these regulations.
I have completed regular update courses in medical emergencies in dentistry and sedation.
Suitable patients
I will need to consult the patient before the procedure but generally a normal healthy patient or a patient with controlled systemic disease is suitable for sedation in general practice.
Requirements from practice
I would like to visit the practice to determine if it is suitable for sedation procedures and I will take this opportunity to meet dentists and answer any questions. I will bring all equipment and drugs.
References
Available on request