During intravenous sedation, a small plastic catheter is placed into a vein in the arm or hand for the delivery of continuous saline solution. Through a port on the side, a sedative and other beneficial medications can be administered to aid in reducing anxiety, pain, and memory associated with the procedure. Drugs typically have a fast onset and the sedation is controlled by continuing to add more medication throughout the procedure as needed. At the end of the procedure, it is common to feel relaxed and sleepy but you should be able to talk, move and most of the time walk on your own under careful supervision to your vehicle driven by your escort. Most patients have little to no memory associated with the procedure.
Anesthesia can be administered in a range from being awake but relaxed (you may have heard of laughing gas) to totally unconscious (general anesthesia). The level of sedation that Dr. Miller provides is called moderate conscious because the goal is to make you sedated enough to get the dental work completed comfortably all while you are breathing on your own. Dr. Miller may give you commands during the procedure but your response is expected to be slow and care free. Depending on the individual, you may be awake but relaxed, in and out of sleep, or totally asleep.
Most people are considered candidates for moderate sedation, however a small subset may need deeper levels of sedation. Everyone responds differently to medications and care is tailored to the needs of each individual with respect to the treatment being rendered and their medical history.
Dr. Miller ensures safety of the procedure by connecting you to a monitor throughout the procedure. He is certified in advanced cardiac life support and is credentialed to provide IV sedation. Dr Miller went through advanced training to be able to provide this service to his patients. In addition, he is diligent about studying or lecturing on topics related to sedation dentistry to further his expertise in the field. He stays on top of the newest research and information regarding sedation and he surrounds himself with like individuals by being an active member of the Lone Star Sedation Study Club and a member of the American Society of Dental Anesthesia.