Anesthesia

Dr. Harris and Children’s Dentistry of Gales Ferry contract the services of Dr. Ahmed Elkady, a Board Certified Dental Anesthesiologist who provides deeper levels of sedation for our young pediatric patients, special needs patients, and adult patients requiring procedures that warrant deeper levels of sedation.

Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)

Nitrous Oxide is a sweet-smelling, non-irritating, colorless gas which you can breathe.

Nitrous Oxide has been the primary means of sedation in dentistry for many years. Nitrous oxide is safe, the patient receives 50–70% oxygen with no less than 30% nitrous oxide.

The patient is able to breathe on their own and remain in control of all bodily functions.

The patient may experience mild amnesia, not remembering all of what happened during their appointment.

There Are Many Advantages to Using Nitrous Oxide

  • The depth of sedation can be altered at any time to increase or decrease sedation.

  • There is no after effect such as a “hangover.”

  • Inhalation sedation is safe with no side effects on your heart and lungs, etc.

  • Inhalation sedation is very effective in minimizing gagging.

  • It works rapidly as it reaches the brain within 20 seconds. In as little as 2–3 minutes its relaxation and pain killing properties develop.

Reasons to Not Use Nitrous Oxide

You should not utilize Nitrous Oxide if you have been diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Though there are no other major contraindications to using nitrous oxide, you may not want to use it if you have emphysema, pregnancy, exotic chest problems, M.S., a cold, or other difficulties with breathing.

You may want to ask your dentist for a “5 minute trial” to see how you feel with this type of sedation method before proceeding.

 

IV MODERATE (CONSCIOUS) SEDATION Having “IV Conscious Sedation” in your dentist’s office enables you to have all your dental care safely and comfortably completed often in one appointment. It’s better than having to schedule several appointments. IV Conscious Sedation is the most common type of anesthesia used in dental offices.

IV Conscious Sedation is a safe and modern technique  of anesthesia/sedation using intravenous medications. Patients are placed in a relaxed, comfortable state allowing dental care to be provided without fear or anxiety.

There is little if any memory of the procedure, Unlike general anesthesia which renders patients unconscious, IV Conscious Sedation allows patients to respond to their dentist’s directions. This enables completion of treatment in a very short amount of time.

IV Conscious Sedation is provided by a trained dentist/anesthesiologist who monitors you throughout the procedure. Medical monitoring equipment is similar to the type used in hospitals. A close, continuous watch is kept on patient’s vital signs such as heart rate, breathing, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, etc. Special care and continuous monitoring of patients under anesthesia/sedation enhances patients safety, especially for those patients who have special medical conditions. Medically compromised patients actually benefit from IV Conscious Sedation. Medical and dental experts agree people with: high blood pressure, a history of heart attacks, a hyperactive gag reflex, Parkinson Disease and patients with “Novocaine” treatment problems or dental phobias, will benefit from IV Conscious Sedation.

IV Conscious Sedation does the following:

  • Increases the safety and effectiveness of local anesthesia.
  • It is safely administered in your dentist’s office.
  • It reduces the need for hospitalization.
  • It is safely administered by a trained professional.
  • It reduces the stress of treatment especially for patients who easily gags.
  • Appointments for your dental care may be coordinated in your dentist’s office to meet your scheduling needs.
  • You can go home after dental treatment.

Virtually all dental procedures can be done (in your dentist’s office) with IV Conscious Sedation.  Procedures include:

   Dentures Cleanings Fillings Periodontal Surgery
 Laser Therapy Implants Crowns Root Canals
 Sealants Oral Surgery Bridges Extractions

IV Conscious Sedation has been proven successful, especially for the five (5%) percent of patients who are “difficult to numb.”

Dr. Harris finished an advanced anesthesia training course in California at Solis Surgical Arts Center. Advanced IV sedation and airway management skills as well as anesthesia techniques for oral surgery were reviewed and updated.

         

              

 IV DEEP SEDATION AND GENERAL ANESTHESIA

Dr. Harris and Children’s Dentistry of Gales Ferry will now have the services of Dr. Ahmed Elkady, a Board Certified Dental Anesthesiologist who will provide deeper levels of sedation for our young pediatric patients, special needs patients, and adult patients requiring procedures that warrant deeper levels of sedation.

Dr. Elkady grew up in New York City and obtained his B.S. in Biology from the City University of New York at Brooklyn College.  He received his dental training at New York University and completed a GPR at Queens Hospital Center.

Upon graduation from residency, he relocated to Seattle, and practiced general dentistry for 5 years, providing dental care to the underserved communities of the PNW.  It was during those 5 years of practice that Dr. Elkady saw too many patients unable to get proper dental care due to dental phobia, special needs, or complex medical histories.  Dr. Elkady became acquainted with the dental anesthesiology profession whilce in the PNW and shortly thereafter moved back to NYC to attend a 3-year residency in dental anesthesiology at St. Barnabas Hospital in the Bronx, a regional trauma center.

Dr. Elkady maintains the following certifications: Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Basic Life Support (BLS).