Posted in: Guest Posts June 26, 2018
By Rachelle Wilber
Sedation dentistry carries some risk, and isn’t something that should be taken lightly or done as a matter of course. However, there are instances in which sedation is in the best interests of the patient. Here is a brief overview of sedation dentistry. Being aware of the risks associated with sedation, here are some of the steps that should be taken in order to prepare the patient for a safe sedation procedure.
Patient Education
More than a cursory education should be performed with the patient. Many patients will present wanting sedation for anxiety, but may not know that there are risks, especially in obese and elderly patients. Most dental care procedures will require that the patient arrive to their appointment on an empty stomach to help alleviate some of the risks of emesis or aspiration.
Another part of education is the cost of sedation, which is usually not covered by insurance. This can run up to $800 per visit and should be discussed with the patient prior to the procedure.
Equipment Tips
All the equipment used for the procedure should either be single use or have the ability to be sterilized. This will protect the patients from any cross contamination or other types of illnesses. Sedation dentistry requires the use of other more specialized equipment to maintain the safety of the patient throughout the procedure.
There are different levels of sedation that will need to be considered for the patient depending on the procedure and their current health level, which may require more complex monitoring equipment. Make sure this is running well with a quick test before beginning your procedure.
Another important aspect of protecting the patients is to have the appropriate monitoring equipment. These include items like a heart rate, pulse, and oxygen monitor. This will make sure that you can adequately monitor the patient even while they are under heavy sedation. The degree of equipment used will depend on the level of sedation that is being utilized.
You may want to be certified or have a certified anesthesiologist to impart the greatest amount of protection to your patients.
Health History
Getting a baseline of the patient’s health is a must. There may be factors that make the use of anesthesia more risky. Things like underlying medical problems or high blood pressure could preclude the patient from undergoing the procedure. A health history protects more than just the patient from a complication, but you as well. You are still a medical professional, and as such, you need to ensure the continued safety of the patients in your office.
Here is a list of contraindications for using oral sedation in a dental environment.
Complications
There are been instances in which sedation dentistry resulted in complications. Having everyone prepared will help to protect you and the patients from any unforeseen reaction. Follow the appropriate guidelines to ensure that you protect your practice from a lawsuit.
About the Author:
Rachelle Wilber is a freelance writer living in the San Diego, California Area. She graduated from San Diego State University with her Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Media Studies.