Anesthesia

Drs. Harris or 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. Drs. Harris or 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, Drs. Harris or 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

As of April 2016, Dr. Harris and Children’s Dentistry of Gales Ferry will now have the services of Dr. Chet Sokolowski, 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. Sokolowski practiced general dentistry for 20 years before deciding to enter a dental anesthesiology residency. He holds a certificate in I.V. sedation from the Medical College of Georgia. He then completed a three-year residency at the University of Pittsburg School of Dentistry/University of anesthesiology program. Dr. Sokolowski is a part time Assistant Clinical Professor of dental anesthesiology at Yale’s residency program in pediatric dentistry. He spends the remainder of his time in private practice limiting his practice to providing sedation/general anesthesia to the special needs, pediatric, and phobic adult dental populations. Dr. Sokolowski hold dual Diplomate status in Dental Anesthesiology in the National Dental Board of Anesthesiology and the American Board of Dental Anesthesiology. He is licensed to provide anesthesia in CT, PA, VA. and NY.