Appointment & Patient Safety

Is Parenteral Moderate Sedation Safe?

If you are a one of the myriad individuals who is scared of the dentist, you might be contemplating having sedation for your dental treatment. This is an effective way to calm your fears so that you’ll be able to tolerate extensive surgical dental treatments in a reduced number of appointments. having a cavity filled, a dental implant placed, or any other dental service performed. As a concerned and inquisitive consumer, you might wonder if sedation is really safe.

The short answer is a resounding “yes!” Sedation dentistry is extremely safe — if you choose a skilled and qualified oral sedation dentist. Dr. Alex Denes is certified by the Dental Board of California to administer moderate parenteral conscious sedation. The Dental Board requires that he take continuing education classes to stay on top of the latest sedation dentistry research and protocols, and get re-certified every two years.

Factors that Determine Sedation Candidacy

Before Dr. Denes chooses a sedation protocol, he will take a complete health history and make sure that you have no contraindications with the sedatives he might plan to use. Certain conditions, such as respiratory diseases, high blood pressure, and certain cardiovascular disorders, may exclude you from qualifying for moderate parenteral sedation. Dr. Denes will also require that you bring a friend or relative with you to your sedation dentistry appointment so this person can drive you home after the procedure.

Monitoring Our Patients During Sedation

When you are in the dental chair under oral sedation, rest assured that Dr. Denes and his staff will monitor your blood pressure, breathing, and oxygen saturation every step of the way to ensure your safety.

While there are inherent risks any time you are administered intravenous medications and liquids, the medications used for sedation are extremely safe, and have been used successfully for decades, by millions of dental and medical patients.