Patient safety is our top priority during delivery of sedation services for dental treatments. During sedation, we use advanced intraoperative monitoring to track vital signs and ensure a smooth, controlled, and safe experience. By continuously assessing essential physiological parameters, we provide precise sedation tailored to each patient’s needs.
Our monitoring systems include:
1. Blood Pressure (BP) Monitoring
- Why It’s Important: Blood pressure monitoring helps detect any sudden changes in circulation that could indicate stress, over-sedation, or other systemic reactions.
- How It’s Monitored: A non-invasive automated BP cuff is placed on the patient’s arm, measuring blood pressure at regular intervals. In some cases, continuous arterial line monitoring may be used for high-risk patients.
2. Electrocardiogram (EKG)
- Why It’s Important: An EKG provides real-time insight into heart activity, identifying any irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias) that may arise during sedation.
- How It’s Monitored: Sticky electrode patches are placed on the patient’s chest to track electrical signals from the heart, displaying them on a monitor for immediate evaluation.
3. Oxygen Saturation (O? Sat – Pulse Oximetry)
- Why It’s Important: Oxygen saturation (SpO?) ensures that the patient is getting enough oxygen during the procedure. Hypoxia (low oxygen levels) can be quickly detected and corrected.
- How It’s Monitored: A small pulse oximeter probe is placed on the patient’s finger or earlobe, continuously measuring oxygen levels in the blood and displaying a real-time percentage reading.
4. Capnometry (End-Tidal CO? Monitoring)
- Why It’s Important: Capnometry measures carbon dioxide (CO?) levels in exhaled breath, ensuring adequate ventilation. This is crucial because some sedatives can suppress normal breathing.
- How It’s Monitored: A nasal cannula or end-tidal CO? sensor is placed near the patient’s airway to track exhaled carbon dioxide levels, providing an early warning of respiratory depression.
5. BIS Monitor (Bispectral Index Monitoring)
- Why It’s Important: The BIS (Bispectral Index) monitor measures brain activity to assess the depth of sedation, helping prevent over- or under-sedation.
- How It’s Monitored: Small sensors are attached to the forehead, analyzing brain wave patterns to generate a numerical score that indicates the level of sedation.
6. Infusion Pumps for Precise Sedative Delivery
- Why It’s Important: Precise dosing of sedative medications is essential for maintaining the right level of relaxation without overshooting into deep sedation or general anesthesia.
- How It’s Used: Computerized infusion pumps are used to deliver IV sedatives at a carefully controlled rate, ensuring smooth sedation adjustments and patient comfort throughout the procedure.
Comprehensive Monitoring for Maximum Safety
By integrating these advanced monitoring technologies, Dr. Alex Denes and his team ensure that patients receive the safest and most effective level of sedation possible. With real-time data on vital signs, respiratory function, and brain activity, we provide an alternative to general anesthesia—allowing for a quicker recovery, fewer risks, and a more comfortable dental experience.
If you have concerns about sedation safety or want to learn more about how we monitor your well-being during treatment, contact us today!