ADDITIONAL SERVICES
Twilight Sleep or “Sleep Dentistry”
Nitrous Oxide Analgesia
Nitrous oxide, commonly referred to as “laughing” gas, is a compound of nitrogen and oxygen. It is inhaled, along with oxygen, through a nasal mask and produces a feeling of relaxation and euphoria. It can be used for patients of all ages and for a number of dental treatments including tooth restoration, placement of crowns, and minor oral surgery. Nitrous oxide is often used along with local anesthetics and pain medications. It has the effect of raising the pain threshold and will make the time appear to pass quickly. Nitrous Oxide is available for your comfort on almost all procedures. The best thing about it is that once the mask is removed, the effects are completely gone and you can drive yourself home from the office.
Intravenous-Conscious Sedation
Intravenous-Conscious sedation is a minimally invasive technique which will calm you during dental procedures without the risk associated with general anesthesia. A depressed level of consciousness is reached that allows the patient to maintain a patent airway independently and to respond appropriately to verbal commands and physical stimulation. The drugs, doses, and techniques used are not intended to produce loss of consciousness. Such drugs include midazolam (Versed) , diazepam (Valium), Fentanyl and Meperidine (Demerol) administered through an IV line.
Dr. Caplanis is specially trained and licensed to perform intravenous conscious sedation and has administered over 2000 anesthetics over his career. His monitoring techniques include pulse oximetry, continuous precordial stethoscope monitoring, interval blood pressure readings continuous pulse and ECG monitoring exceeding State requirements.
During more involved surgical procedures, an anesthesiologist may be required. These specially trained anesthesiologists perform general anesthesia, putting patients into a deeper sleep. The anesthesiologist stays with the patient until they are completely awake.
ANESTHESIA DON'Ts
DON'T drive a car for at least 24 hours. After anesthesia, your reaction may be impaired. Such impairment makes driving a car dangerous to you and to others. It is especially important that you don't forget to make arrangements for someone else to drive you home from office.
DON'T operate complex equipment for at least 24 hours. The same logic that applies to driving a car similarly applies to the operation of other equipment. This includes equipment used at home, such as a lawnmower, as well as that which is used on the job, such as a forklift truck
DON'T make any important decisions or sign any legal documents for the day. The potential for impairment relates not only to physical activities, but to your mental state also. Moreover, the anxiety that frequently accompanies important decisions is to be avoided. The day should be spent resting.
DON'T take any medications unless prescribed by or discussed with your physician. Some medications may adversely interact with anesthetic drugs or chemicals remaining in your body. Included are prescription drugs, such as sleeping pills or tranquilizers, and over-the-counter medications, such as aspirin.
DON'T drink alcohol for at least 24 hours. Alcohol is also considered a drug, meaning that an alcoholic drink has the potential to negatively react with the anesthetic in your system. This includes hard liquor, beer and wine.
ANESTHESIA DO's
DO leave the office accompanied by a responsible adult. This person will ensure that you travel safely, as well as provide immediate care at home. You should continue to have this adult with you for 24 hours after surgery.
DO remain quietly at home for the day and rest. You need rest both because you have received anesthesia, and because you have undergone a surgical procedure - even one that is considered minor. If, after a day, you still do not feel recovered, you may want to continue your rest for an additional day or two. Discuss your planned return to work with your physician.
DO arrange for someone to care for your small children for the day. Even if given instructions to play peacefully and not overtax you, children sometimes forget such directions or have trouble staying quiet for an entire day. The most predictable course of action is to leave small children and babies in the care of another responsible adult.
DO take liquids first and slowly progress to a light meal. Heavy foods can be difficult for your system to digest, thereby increasing the chance for discomfort. For your nourishment, start by taking liquids, and then eat light foods, such as broth or soup, crackers or toast, plain rice, jello and yogurt.
* These guidelines were provided by the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists. For more information on anesthesia, please go to www.aana.com.