Sedation or sleep dentistry is extremely safe. In fact, I do this 1-2 times a day (mostly by intravenous IV sedation). Having the right monitors while you are “asleep” is necessary.
A pulse oximeter is a device that attaches to your finger while you are sedated and tells me how much oxygen is in your blood stream. Knowing this number is critical for safety. Many patients have all types of dental work done while they are “knocked out.” For many patients I see, fear is a big factor in avoiding basic care such as dental implants, crowns, fillings or even cleanings.
During sedation, the advanced device shines light through your finger, detecting the color of the blood. Since blood changes color based on how oxygenated it is, the oxygen saturation can be calculated. It measures how much oxygen is in your blood at any given moment. Blood carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body through arteries and the blood then returns through veins.
Having enough oxygen during sleep dentistry or surgery will keep you safe. Along with specialty monitors that I use, your neck position is critical to maintaining good airflow to your lungs. Knowing how to position your neck and jaw during sleep sedation dentistry is as important as state of the art monitors.
Along with your “SPO2” reading, a pulse oximeter also gives your pulse rate.
People always want to know what their oxygen saturation "should be". A fit, healthy young person will probably have an oxygen saturation of 95 - 99%. This will vary with age, degree of fitness, current altitude and whether you smoke.
Traditional doctors have used pulse oximeters to monitor various health related conditions including COPD, asthma, and sleep apnea just to name a few.
If you are scared of the dentist or just want to know more info, please leave your questions in the comments section below.
Ramsey A. Amin, D.D.S.
Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology /Implant Dentistry
Fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry
Burbank, California
http://www.burbankdentalimplants.com
Hi Lata,
Yes, dental implants are very safe and most of my patients have very little, if any pain at all. The process takes anywhere from 1 day to 18 months, averaging about 4 months.
Please spend some time on my blog and most of your questions should be answered.
Ramsey A. Amin, D.D.S.
Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology /Implant Dentistry
Fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry
Burbank, California
http://www.burbankdentalimplants.com
Posted by: Ramsey Amin DDS | August 03, 2011 at 08:52 PM
Sir,
I am 55 yrs old. Is the implantation of full teeth are safe? Is any pain? And how much time needed for upper part of teeth implantation? Please guide me.
lata.
Posted by: prem lata | July 25, 2011 at 01:58 AM
I did not know that you can make me sleepy for dental implants.
The guy I went to does not know how to do sedation and I heard when you have sedation for an implant, you heal really fast and without pain.
If you dont have the sedation, the recovery is much longer!
I live near you and I just left a message to make an appointment to see you! :)
Posted by: Robert W. | July 15, 2011 at 07:07 PM