Anesthesia & Sedation

For any of our procedures, we will do everything we can to provide for your comfort. Most of our work is performed with local anesthesia, similar to any filling or crown restorative treatment you may have done in the past. There are many different types of local anesthetic agents and for surgical procedures we often use a long acting one. Before any injections, we apply a topical anesthetic solution or gel to provide a surface numbing. The following options are available, upon request:

  1. Intravenous (IV) Sedation. This is a procedure which is done to calm an anxious patient via the introduction of medications such as Valium or Demerol into a vein. This procedure is unlike general anesthesia in that a patient receiving IV sedation is awake and fully conscious at all times. It produces a deeply relaxed feeling often described as floating. The use of local anesthetics will still be indicated.
  2. Oral Sedation. We can prescribe a medicine to "calm your nerves" and relax you. You must be accompanied to the office if taking this medication.
  3. Nitrous oxide analgesia ("laughing gas" or "happy gas"). This gas is breathed in through a nose mask and gives a detached, light-headed feeling, easing any fears or apprehensions you may have. Its effect will disappear as soon as the mask is removed from your nose, so you can drive yourself from the office.

Intravenous (IV) Pre-Sedation Instructions

  1. Arrangements must be made for a responsible adult to drive you home after your sedation appointment. You will not be permitted to leave the office alone.
  2. No eating four (4) hours prior to your appointment. Juice or clear liquids are permitted, but no coffee.
  3. Take your normal daily prescribed medications and inform Dr. Fuentes as such. If diabetes is a consideration, please discuss necessary modifications with Dr. Fuentes.
  4. Please wear loose fitting, short sleeve clothing.
  5. Should you develop a cold, flu, sore throat, or any other illness your appointment will need to be rescheduled.
  6. Post-operative prescriptions: these can be called into your pharmacy prior to your appointment or dispensed from our office the day of your appointment.

Post-Sedation Instructions

  1. Go home and rest for the remainder of the day.
  2. Do NOT perform any strenuous activity. You should remain in the company of a responsible adult until you are fully alert.
  3. Do NOT attempt to eat a heavy meal immediately. If you are hungry, a light diet (liquids and toast) will be more than adequate.
  4. A feeling of nausea may develop after sedation. The following may help you to feel better:
    a. Lying down for awhile
    b. A glass of room temperature cola beverage.
  5. Do NOT drive a motor vehicle or perform any hazardous tasks for the remainder of the day.
  6. Do NOT have any alcoholic beverages or any sedative medications for the remainder of the day, unless you have contacted Dr. Fuentes first.