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. It is also used in a number
of dental treatments such as tooth restoration, placement of
crowns, or for minor surgical procedures. Nitrous oxide is
often used along with local anesthetics and pain medications.
It has the effect of raising the discomfort threshold and may
even make the time appear to pass quickly.
Conscious Sedation- 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), and Meperidine (Demerol).
Anesthesia Do's and Don'ts
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, then eat light foods, such as broth
or soup, crackers or toast,
plain rice, jello and yogurt.
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.
|
