Sedation
Dr. Pippin is among a small percentage of general dentists who have completed an ADA accredited training program in IV Conscious Sedation; and who have obtained a Comprehensive Conscious Sedation Permit. Below are some frequently asked questions regarding conscious sedation.
Q: What is conscious sedation?
A: Conscious sedation, sometimes given the slang term “twilight sleep,” is a moderately
depressed level of consciousness that may be obtained by the administration of a drug
or combination of drugs either by inhalation, by mouth, or by intramuscular or
intravenous (IV) injection. Generally IV injection is the preferred route
Q: Why can’t you just give me a pill and knock me out?
A: The disadvantages of taking sedative medications by mouth far outweigh the
advantages. The drug must first pass through the digestive system, which may take an
hour or more. The effect upon each patient can be highly variable and unpredictable.
If the dose is inadequate, then it is not practical to give a second dose due to the time it
takes for the drug to have an effect. If the dose results in a sedation that is too deep,
which may be life threatening, there is no IV line in place to give sedation reversal drugs.
Also, it takes much higher doses of drugs and they take much longer to wear off when given
by mouth. Therefore, oral sedation is generally not as safe or predictable as IV sedation.
Q:I want to be totally out during my dental appointment. Will I actually be put to sleep?
A: You may go to sleep as in taking a nap, but you will not be unconscious. This is an important
distinction and safety factor because with conscious sedation. You will be able to breathe on you own.
Furthermore, you will be in a state of moderately depressed consciousness, which means
you can be aroused either verbally or by touch. Total loss of consciousness requires a breathing
tube to be inserted down the throat to support breathing and must be done in an operating room setting
Q: Will I still feel pain?
A:After Dr. Pippin gives you the sedative medicines and you are in a very relaxed state he will give you numbing medicine (local anesthetic) so any discomfort will be minimal. Most patients have no memory of the procedure once the medicines wear off, and they have no recollection of the anesthetic injections or of any discomfort. Dr. Pippin will write a pain prescription for you, if necessary,to control any anticipated postoperative discomfort.
Q:How safe is conscious sedation?
A:Conscious sedation is extremely safe when administered by a properly trained practitioner as Dr. Pippin is. Your vital signs, including heart rate, respirations, blood oxygen saturation, blood pressure, and
ECG will be monitored electronically throughout the time of your sedation. In the unlikely event of any problems such as depressed respirations Dr. Pippin has sedation reversal drugs available that can be given immediately through the existing IV line. Dr. Pippin also has the means to support respiration, if necessary, until the sedative medicines begin to wear off in a few minutes, and you can then breathe on your own. Emergencies during IV sedation are rare, particularly with patients who are in reasonably good health. Dr. Pippin will conduct a thorough health history, and if so indicated he will listen to you heart and lungs before determining whether or not you are a candidate for IV conscious sedation. If there are any concerns regarding your safety he will consult with your physician before proceeding.