Anesthesia
Dr. Harris has extensive training in the use of nitrous oxide, oral sedation and IV moderate sedation. His training and experience, combined with state-of-the-art monitoring systems, ensure your safety. Dr. Harris has membership with The American Dental Society of Anesthesiology. The choice of anesthesia that meets your needs will be discussed in detail during your consultation visit. Please be sure to ask questions, as we are committed to your comfort and well being. Your health and peace of mind are always our primary concern.
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.”
On October 18th 2013, 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).