Drs. Rothman and Kim are licensed in the states of New Jersey and Pennsylvania to administer many types of anesthesia to our patients. We understand that dental procedures can sometimes be frightening, especially when the surgery is complicated or involved, and desire an altered state of consciousness to deal with their fear. Most patients can have in office intravenous light, moderate, or deep sedation. Light sedation is conscious sedation. This means that the patient has an altered sense of their surroundings, feels significantly relaxed, can respond to verbal commands, and may have some lack of memory of the procedure. Moderate and Deep sedation means that there is a loss of consciousness, an experience like general anesthesia, where not only does the patient have a euphoric feeling from the anesthetic medication, but also loses concept of time and space. There is no memory of the procedure.
Our anesthesia services are performed in a specially fitted operatory with state of the art monitoring equipment, ensuring the highest standards of safety. To maintain our licenses, we are required to take many hours of continuing education in anesthesia, to maintain certification in BLS, ACLS, and PALS. Furthermore, we have our facility examined by state approved inspectors every 5 years, who actually observe our techniques and management of patients. We take pride in the fact that our assistants train and take and pass the Dental Anesthesia Assistant National Certification Examination (DAANCE).
Drs. Rothman and Kim will perform a thorough review of your medical history and will discuss with you the best course of anesthesia for your particular surgery. Please understand that sometimes, depending on certain medical issues or if you have a small oral airway, in office anesthesia may not be safe. In these cases, anesthesia for surgery may be offered at our hospital or surgical center.
Before Intravenous Anesthesia Sedation
- You may not have anything to eat for (8) eight hours prior to the appointment. This includes not chewing gum. Clear liquids (ginger ale, water) are allowed up to (4) four hours before surgery.
- No smoking at least 12 hours before surgery. Ideally, cut down or stop smoking as soon as possible prior to the day of surgery.
- A responsible adult must accompany the patient to the office, remain in the office during the procedure, and drive the patient home.
The patient should not drive a vehicle or operate any machinery for 24 hours following the anesthesia experience.
- Please wear loose fitting clothing with short sleeves, and low-heeled shoes.
- Contact lenses, jewelry, and dentures must be removed at the time of surgery.
- Do not wear lipstick, excessive makeup, or nail polish on the day of surgery.
- If you have an illness such as a cold, sore throat, stomach or bowel upset, please notify the office.
- If you take routine oral medications, please take them with a small sip of water unless otherwise instructed by your doctor.
