Phone: 818-851-1192
FAQS
Here I have included the answers to some of my clients’ most frequently asked questions. If you find there is something I haven’t quite touched on, please do not hesitate to ask.
WHICH PATIENTS MIGHT BENEFIT FROM DENTAL TREATMENT UNDER ANESTHESIA?
There are many reasons why a patient may have difficulty receiving the dental treatment they need. Patients with dental anxiety or phobia, an inability to get numb with local anesthesia, a severe gag reflex, or limited mouth opening may elect to receive anesthesia. Pre-cooperative or fearful children with extensive dental needs may find it less traumatic to complete all dental treatment in one visit under anesthesia. Special needs patients with autism or intellectual disabilities may also benefit from treatment under anesthesia.
WHAT TYPES OF ANESTHESIA CAN I RECEIVE?
Many dental procedures can be completed with local anesthesia alone, or combined with sedative pills or nitrous oxide (laughing gas). However, certain patients may require a deeper and more controlled level of anesthesia. Dr. Baek can provide either IV sedation or general anesthesia. IV sedation will reduce anxiety, pain, and most memory of a procedure, while general anesthesia will induce a level of complete sleep. Both options will allow you to rest comfortably while you receive your dental treatment.
HOW IS ANESTHESIA ADMINISTERED?
Anesthesia can be started with an intravenous catheter ("IV"), an intramuscular injection, or mask inhalation, depending on what is appropriate for each patient. Anesthesia is then maintained with medications given through an IV. Throughout the entire case, your anesthesiologist will carefully monitor all vital signs, including heart rate and rhythm, blood pressure, oxygen level, breathing rate and pattern, and temperature, and will adjust the anesthesia as necessary to maximize patient comfort and safety.
IS ANESTHESIA SAFE?
Anesthesia today is extremely safe and complications are rare when administered by a dentist anesthesiologist. With Dr. Baek's extensive experience and focused training in anesthesiology, you can rest assured that she will provide you with hospital-grade anesthesia of the highest standard in the comfort of your dental office. To ensure the safest possible anesthesia, it is extremely important that you provide your anesthesiologist with accurate information and follow all pre-anesthesia instructions.
HOW DO I PREPARE FOR ANESTHESIA?
Dr. Baek will be in communication with you prior to your appointment to make sure you are prepared and optimized for anesthesia. If you have complex medical issues, she may request a consultation from your physician prior to the case. The most important preparation is that you have nothing to eat or drink before anesthesia according to the guidelines. Please make sure to read all Pre- and Post- Anesthesia Instructions.
WHAT HAPPENS THE DAY OF SURGERY?
You should plan to arrive 30 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment. Dr. Baek will review important information and go over informed consent with you. Assuming there are no changes in medical history and all pre-op instructions have been followed, we will proceed with treatment.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER MY APPOINTMENT?
Most patients feel awake and alert very soon after their procedure is completed. However, it is important to note that anesthesia may still affect your ability to drive or make important decisions. To be safe, you must have an escort home and plan to rest and relax the rest of the day. You may return to school/work the following day.
WILL MY INSURANCE COVER MY VISIT?
Dr. Baek does not work with any insurance companies at this time. However, she can provide you with paperwork that you can submit to your insurance for possible reimbursement.
IS ANESTHESIA RIGHT FOR ME?
Only you can make the decision to receive sedation or general anesthesia for your dental care. Dr. Baek is happy to provide you with all the information you may need to make the decision for yourself. Please feel free to call or email Dr. Baek to set up a consultation.