1515 Palisade Avenue, Fort Lee, NJ 07024
Tel: (201) 969-0990
IV Conscious Sedation
Conscious sedation is a controlled state of extreme relaxation often resulting in little memory of the procedure.
This type of sedation reduces pain and awareness of the procedure while allowing the patient to breathe on his/her own and to respond to verbal commands and/or gentle stimulation. Many times a patient will not even recall having spoken to the staff during the procedure. Conscious sedation allows a patient to tolerate the procedure by relieving anxiety, discomfort and/or pain. For procedures that require children not to move conscious sedation will help them to remain still.
Informed consent must be obtained before the procedure and before the patient receives conscious sedation. In children, the informed consent must be obtained from a parent or guardian of the child
before conscious sedation is administered. A physician, dentist or a nurse may administer conscious sedation. The patient is monitored before, during and after the procedure.
If the patient is going home, arrangements should be made for a responsible adult to take the patient home.
There are some risks with conscious sedation. The risk is dependent upon many factors including the type of procedure and the medical condition of the patient. Fortunately, adverse events are rare.
Approved by the Medical Board-April 19, 1999
Frequently Asked Questions about IV Conscious Sedation
Conscious Sedation IV
Q: Will I be asleep?
A: Dr. Tsoucaris uses a well-recognized anesthetic technique known as "conscious sedation." This technique allows patients to be extremely comfortable and sedated. Patients, who have previously been unable to tolerate any dentistry, have been delighted with "waking up" and knowing that their procedure has been completed.
Q: Will I feel pain? Do I still get local anesthesia or "novocaine"?
A: Patients still receive local anesthesia or "novocaine." However, Dr. Tsoucaris usually administers additional anesthesia just before these medications are injected. The use of local anesthesia is necessary to further minimize pain both during and after the procedure.
Q: Will I remember anything?
A: Patients report little, if any, recall of their dental procedure.
Q: What about coexisting conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure?
A: Dr. Tsoucaris will discuss your medical history with you at least one week before your dental procedure. Dr. Tsoucaris will also discuss your specific medical needs with both your dentist and your other physicians, if necessary.
Q: Is Dr. Tsoucaris a dentist?
A: Yes, Dr. Tsoucaris is a licensed dentist and board certified endodontist with The American Board of Endodontists.
If deep sedation or general anesthesia services are requested, Dr. Tsoucaris maintains an association with a board-certified anesthesiologist who is also board-certified in pain management, to perform deep sedation or general anesthesia services in his Fort Lee, office. Both doctors will be at your side during your procedure.
Q: How are these anesthetic medications administered?
A: Just before the start of your procedure, Dr. Tsoucaris places a small intravenous (IV) catheter in a vein-usually in the back of your hand. Immediately after this is placed, anesthetic medications are then administered.
Q: What are the side effects?
A: Patients have had few, if any, side effects of this anesthetic technique. Dr. Tsoucaris uses extremely short-acting medications which quickly "wear off.". Nausea and excessive sleepiness are virtually nonexistent.
Q: What are my postoperative instructions? Can I drive home?
A: Patients must have a responsible adult drive them home. Patients are instructed not to drive or operate heavy equipment for 24 hours after the procedure. Patients are also given a complete list of post-procedure instructions.
Q: What about payment and financing?
A: Dr. Tsoucaris's anesthesia fee is based upon an hourly rate. Payment for his services is due upon day of service. Payment can be in cash, check, or credit card. You will receive a bill which can then be submitted to your dental or medical insurance company. Dr. Tsoucaris will be happy to send any additional information that your insurance company requires to help you secure reimbursement.
Dr. Tsoucaris has also arranged for low interest, as well as interest-free patient financing, with Capital One.