Sedation Dentistry Questions & Answers

What are general anesthesia and intravenous sedation?

General anesthesia and intravenous sedation are anesthetic management techniques used in sedation dentistry, which utilize inhalation and intravenous (IV) medications to create states of unconsciousness and sleep, unawareness and relaxation in dental patients. The apprehensive patient is sedated and relaxed, or asleep to allow needed dental treatment to be performed. Dental anesthesia works for a variety of dental patients. Learn more about Who Can Benefit from Sedation Dentistry & General Anesthesia Services?.
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Who is qualified for general anesthesia and intravenous sedation?

Any adult, adolescent or child in good health is a candidate for dental anesthesia and sedation dentistry. Our patients have turned to sedation dentistry for a variety of reasons, and dental appointments are no longer a negative experience for them.
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Will I know what is going on during my sedation dentistry services?

Patients may sometimes have a vague awareness that dental treatment was performed during a sedation dentistry procedure, but due to the medications, no fear or anxiety is present. Memory and recollection of the dental procedure is usually absent.
For our general anesthesia patients we utilize a special monitor (a modified EEG) to assess your level of consciousness vs. unconsciousness. We can assure you will “hear nothing”, “see nothing”, “feel nothing” and “know nothing”.
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How is the the dental anesthesia monitored?

Patients undergoing sedation dentistry and general anesthesia are monitored using the most modern equipment. The same equipment found in operating rooms and surgicenters are in our Holmdel, NJ office. All aspects of vital signs including blood pressure, heart rate, EKG, pulse oximetry, capnography, breathing and temperature are continuously monitored. Emergency drugs and medical equipment are immediately available if they should become necessary. Due to new anesthetics available, safety is enhanced and recovery time is reduced. Each dental anesthesia procedure or sedation dentistry appointment is tailored to your specific needs, always keeping your safety in mind.

Plus, our entire staff is Basic Life Support (BLS) CPR trained and the Doctor and Registered Nurse (RN) on staff are also Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) trained.
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What types of dentistry services can be performed during sedation dentistry?

Most types of general dentistry including exams and X-rays, fillings, caps and crowns, periodontal procedures, surgery and root canal therapy can be accomplished under general dental anesthesia and sedation.
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Does Dr. Lichtenstein and his staff work with patients dealing with cancer?

Dr. Lichtenstein and his staff understand the special needs of those who are dealing with cancer. Whether you are about to start cancer treatment, you’re in the midst of it currently, or you’ve recently finished your treatment, we are here to help. Read more about our dental care services for cancer patients and how we can help your or your loved ones through a difficult time.
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Are patients with special needs such as autism seen by Dr. Lichtenstein?

Yes. We believe that too often both adults and children with special needs such as autism receive inadequate dental health care. Many dentists aren’t willing to provide the level of dental care that these patients need. From patients with autism to those with seizure disorders, or those with mental and physical challenges, Dr. Lichtenstein and his staff provide a level of care many patients with special needs couldn’t receive elsewhere. Read more about our experience with dental care for those with autism and other special needs.
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Does Dr. Lichtenstein’s office accept dental insurance?

Dental insurance is accepted, although our office does not participate directly with any insurance carriers. We accept assigned benefits from carriers who will send payment directly to our office. Or, for patients with insurance plans where benefits are not assigned, we will fill out and complete claim forms and file them directly with the insurance company. The patient or guardian will be responsible for the balance of any payments not covered by the insurance company.
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