Anesthesia
NFPA 99 CERTIFIED ANESTHESIA FACILITY
Certified State of the Art General Anesthesia Facility
Sunnyvale Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, the practice of Dr. Joy Wang, is a new state-of-the-art oral surgery office. Prior to opening this office, Dr Wang undertook the time and expense to construct her new practice to be a certified NFPA 99 (Healthcare Facilities Code) Category 1 facility.
What is the NFPA?
The purpose of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is to eliminate death, injury, and property and economic loss due to fire, electrical and related hazards. The standards address the delivery of safe and effective anesthesia in an outpatient setting, similar to other outpatient surgery centers such as ambulatory surgery centers as well as office-based administration of anesthesia in plastic surgery centers and obstetrics and gynecology offices. NFPA 99 defines the categories of medical/dental gas systems based on the depth of sedation. This office is certified for Category 1 NFPA (deep sedation and general anesthesia).
Category 1 dental facilities must meet stringent requirements including specific medical vacuum system, master and zone alarms and zone valves and reserve gas supply. Once the system is installed by certified professionals, it must also be tested and verified by independent certified professionals.
Emergency Back Up System
In addition to the medical gas system, part of the NFPA 99 standards include emergency generators designed to “ensure the designed to ensure continuity of electrical power to designated areas and functions of a healthcare facility during the disruption of normal power sources, and also to minimize disruption within internal wiring systems.’ In our office, our emergency back up system is designed to allow a seamless transition to the emergency back up generator for the surgery rooms and mission critical equipment.
SEDATION DENTISTRY
Sedation dentistry is often mistakenly thought to induce sleep. In fact, most sedatives allow the patient to stay awake during the procedure. Sleepiness is a side effect of some medications, but nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation and IV sedation only work to calm anxiety throughout the dental visit.
Sedation dentistry is popular because most sedatives can be taken by mouth, meaning no injections, no anxiety and no pain. Some sedatives work so effectively that even the smells and details of the procedure cannot be recalled afterwards. Safety and compliance are two important aspects of treatments, so sedation dentistry offers both the individual and the oral surgeon the best alternative.
Whatever the form of sedative, it is essential to be accompanied by a caregiver. Sometimes, sedatives are provided the night before the dental visit, which means that driving to or from the appointment is not advisable.
Here are some advantages associated with sedation dentistry:
What kinds of sedatives are available?
The most popular types of dental sedatives are nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, and IV sedation. Different levels of sedation (mild, moderate and deep) can be utilized depending on individual needs. Before administering any sedative, the oral surgeon must analyze the full medical history of the patient, taking note of any current medications.
Here is an overview of some of the most common types of dental sedatives:
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide, or “laughing gas,” is used as a mild sedative. It is delivered through a nose hood, and is administered throughout the entire procedure. Nitrous oxide elevates the general mood and can evoke a general sense of well-being. Most importantly, it relieves anxiety and reduces pain during the procedure. In addition, some tingling and numbness may be felt. There are few side effects associated with nitrous oxide, and it has been safely used in dentistry for many years.
Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral conscious sedation is an excellent choice for people who fear needles. Oral medication is provided prior to treatment in order to induce a moderate state of sedation. Though oral sedatives do not cause sleep, they usually dull the senses. This means that most patients cannot remember the pain, smells or noises associated with the procedure. Usually, a dose of medication is taken prior to the appointment, and then topped up during the procedure as required.
What types of drugs are used in oral conscious sedation?
Most of the drugs used in sedation dentistry are classified as benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines reduce anxiety, muscle spasms, insomnia and seizures. Each medication has a different half-life, meaning that the effects last for varying amounts of time. The estimated length of the procedure determines which type of drug is going to be most effective.
Here are some of the most common drugs used in oral conscious sedation:
Valium® – This sedative has amnesic properties and a long half-life. It is usually used for time-consuming, complex procedures.
Halcion® – Usually used to treat insomnia, Halcion is an effective sedative with amnesic properties. A short half-life makes this sedative useful for shorter procedures.
Ativan® – This sedative is best known for reducing anxiety. It has amnesic properties and a medium half-life. Ativan is typically used for treatments shorter than two hours.
Versed® – This sedative has the shortest half-life and is therefore less commonly used. It alleviates anxiety in much the same way as nitrous oxide, and is used for visits that will take less than 30 minutes.
IV Sedation
Intravenous sedation is a moderate type of sedation. Patients who have previously experienced IV sedation often report feeling like they slept through the entire procedure. Generally, IV sedation is used for shorter treatments. It is administered via direct injection into the bloodstream, which means the effects are immediate. Sometimes patients feel groggy and sleepy when the IV sedatives are withdrawn. This is why it is important to bring a designated driver for the drive home.
Dr. Alex Targ is a Stanford and UCSF-trained anesthesiologist specializing in mobile anesthesia for dental patients. With over 20 years of experience, he provides hospital-grade anesthesia, particularly for children and patients with special needs, ensuring a comfortable, safe, and stress-free dental experience. His mobile service eliminates the need for hospital visits, offering a convenient solution directly in the dental office. Dr. Targ's approach is especially beneficial for young patients, helping to minimize anxiety during dental procedures.
If you have questions or concerns about sedation dentistry, please contact our office.
Back