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Therapy
Sedation |
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| SEDATION
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Nitrous
Oxide Analgesia
Nitrous oxide, a sweet smelling gas, is a compound of
nitrogen and oxygen. It is inhaled, along with oxygen,
through a nasal mask. It is used for patients of all ages..
Nitrous oxide is used along with local anesthetics and
pain medications. It has the effect of raising the pain
threshold and may even make the time appear to pass quickly.
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
are administered through an IV line.
Sedation
DON'TS
DON'T drive a car. After sedation 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.
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.
Sedation
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
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. 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,
then eat light foods, such as broth or soup, crackers
or toast, plain rice, jello and yogurt. |
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