Patient resources

What are the different kinds of sedation ?

First there is mild sedation. Your anxieties are relieved, but you are totally conscious and able to respond throughout the procedure.

Second there is moderate to deep sedation which takes you to a much more relaxed state, although you are still semi-conscious and sometimes able to respond. However, you aren’t going to remember much of your experience. The level of sedation can be deep or moderate, depending on the amount of anesthesia given and the desired level of sedation. In this type of anesthesia you will be breathing spontaneously, usually without assistance. This category of anesthesia is often called, Monitored Anesthesia Care (MAC)

A third option in some cases is General Anesthesia which produces unconsciousness so that you will not feel, see, or hear anything during the procedure. The anesthetic medications are given to you through an intravenous line or as a gas through a mask. Insertion of an endo-tracheal tube or a similar breathing device might be needed during the anesthetic to protect or assist your airway.

  • Intramuscular injection or oral pre-sedation might be necessary separately, in some cases with children and special needs patients.

  • The use of local anesthetics are still necessary in most levels of sedation.

What medications are used ?

Medications most commonly used: Ketamine (IM and IV), Midazolam (IM and IV), fentanyl (IV and IM) remifentanil (IV), Propofol (IV), and dexmedetomidine (IV). Other adjuncts are typically used on a case-per-case basis such as steroids, antiemetics, anticholinergics, and antibiotics. The choice of medication and combinations will be made by the anesthesiologists who is trained to develop an anesthesia plan individualized for each patient.

What monitors are used during office-based anesthesia ?

  • Heart Rate 

  • Oxygen Saturation 

  • Electro-Cardiogram (ECG) 

  • Temperature (Skin) if general anesthesia

  • Blood Pressure 

  • Bispectral Index System (BIS) if deemed necessary 

  • End-tidal Agent

  • Capnography

Will my insurance cover the anesthesia services?

Each insurance policy varies in the type of benefits as well as the amount covered. Some policies may not have any anesthesia coverage, while others may cover anesthesia services up to 100%. To find out what your benefits allow, you must contact your insurance company. The dental office staff and Anesthesia Alternatives will assist you in providing the information you might need for an insurance pre-determination.

When I file a claim, do I submit it to the medical or dental plan?

It varies. Some dental plans might give you coverage, but the total benefits amount may not be large enough to cover both the dental treatment and the anesthesia services. It is important for you to know the maximum allowable per year in your dental plan. Medical insurance policies might cover anesthesia services for dental procedures, especially in children under age 6, or due to “medical necessity” e.g. trauma, extreme anxiety, mentally challenged, autism, infection, or other reasons. Consult with your medical insurance carrier for details of your benefits.

Anesthesia Alternatives will provide a receipt of payment along with IV procedures codes needed to file along with your claim form at the end of the appointment. We are committed to assist you in every way possible to provide the necessary information for your insurance needs.

Remember: Anesthesia fees are always going to be separate from your Surgical/Dental fees.