How can we help you?
At Fine Dental Sedations, we understand that choosing sedation dentistry is an important decision that often raises numerous questions. Dr Russell Fine and our team are committed to providing you with clear, comprehensive information about our sedation services, helping you feel confident and informed about your dental care.
Whether you're curious about the different types of sedation we offer, wondering about safety protocols or seeking to understand what to expect during your visit, we've compiled answers to the most common questions we receive from patients. Our goal is to address your concerns and provide the reassurance you need to move forward with your treatment.
Dr Fine's advanced training and extensive qualifications in conscious sedation and pain control mean you're receiving care from one of Western Australia's most experienced sedation dentists. If you don't see the answer to your question below, please don't hesitate to speak with our friendly team who will be happy to provide personalised information about your specific needs and circumstances.
Information for Referring Dentists
During a sedation procedure at Fine Dental Sedations, Dr Fine continuously tracks vital signs using advanced monitoring equipment to ensure the patient's safety and well-being throughout treatment.
As a qualified dental sedationist with elite qualifications from the University of Sydney, Dr Fine follows rigorous monitoring protocols throughout the entire procedure.
What Does Medical Monitoring Entail?
Medical monitoring involves the continuous assessment of multiple physiological parameters simultaneously. This comprehensive approach allows Dr Fine to detect any changes in the patient's condition immediately and respond appropriately to maintain their safety and comfort.
The key aspects of medical monitoring include:
- Heart Rate — Dr Fine monitors for any significant changes or abnormalities in heart rate, ensuring the cardiovascular system remains stable throughout the sedation procedure.
- Blood Pressure — Continuous monitoring tracks for hypertension or hypotension, which can be indicators of adverse reactions to sedation medications or changes in the patient's physiological state.
- Respiratory Rate — Breathing pattern is carefully monitored to ensure it remains regular and sufficient. Some sedatives can suppress respiratory function, requiring immediate attention if changes occur; therefore, it's critical to monitor respiratory patterns closely.
- Oxygen Saturation (SpO2) — Dr Fine assesses the level of oxygen in the blood using a pulse oximeter, providing real-time information about how well the patient's body is receiving and utilising oxygen during the procedure.
- Level of Consciousness — Dr Fine continuously monitors the patient's level of consciousness to ensure they remain in a safe and responsive state appropriate for the type of sedation being administered.
This comprehensive monitoring continues from the moment sedation begins until the patient is fully recovered, providing multiple layers of safety throughout their dental treatment experience.
Inhalational Sedation
Yes, laughing gas (nitrous oxide) is exceptionally safe for children when administered by a qualified professional like Dr Fine. With over 150 years of use in dentistry, nitrous oxide has an outstanding safety record and is considered one of the safest sedation methods available for paediatric patients.
How Laughing Gas Works
The beauty of nitrous oxide for children lies in its gentle, predictable effects. Your child will remain conscious and able to communicate with Dr Fine throughout treatment, simply feeling relaxed and comfortable. The gas works quickly—taking effect within 2-3 minutes—and wears off completely within 5-10 minutes after the mask is removed, allowing your child to return to normal activities immediately.
Nitrous oxide has minimal side effects, with most children experiencing only pleasant relaxation. Unlike other sedation methods, there's no grogginess or prolonged recovery period, making it ideal for young patients who need to return to school or activities after their appointment.
Dr Fine carefully monitors each child throughout the procedure, adjusting the gas mixture as needed to maintain optimal comfort and safety. The continuous monitoring ensures your child's well-being is protected at all times.
We Invite You to Contact Fine Dental Sedations
If your child experiences dental anxiety or requires lengthy treatment, nitrous oxide can transform their dental experience into a positive, stress-free visit that builds confidence for future dental care.
Intravenous Sedation and Medical Monitoring
Dr Fine follows a comprehensive recovery protocol to ensure your safety and comfort following IV sedation. Your recovery begins immediately after your procedure while you're still in our practice under professional supervision.
Initially, you'll rest comfortably in our dedicated recovery area, where Dr Fine will continue to monitor your vital signs until the sedative effects begin to wear off. This typically takes 30-60 minutes, during which time we'll assess your alertness, blood pressure, heart rate and overall well-being. You'll gradually become more alert while remaining comfortable and relaxed.
A Smooth Recovery at Home
Once Dr Fine determines you're sufficiently recovered, you'll be discharged into the care of your responsible adult companion. It's essential that someone drives you home and stays with you for the remainder of the day, as the effects of IV sedation can continue for several hours after leaving our dental practice.
For the first 24 hours following IV sedation, you should avoid driving, operating machinery, making important decisions or consuming alcohol. These restrictions ensure your safety while any residual effects are completely cleared from your system. Most patients feel normal by the following day, though some may experience mild grogginess or fatigue.
We Support Your Recovery Process
Dr Fine provides detailed post-sedation instructions specific to your procedure and individual circumstances. These include guidance on pain management, eating and drinking recommendations, and when to resume normal activities. Our team remains available to answer any questions during your recovery period.
Following this protocol ensures your safety while allowing you to recover comfortably at home, returning to your normal routine as quickly as possible while maintaining the highest standards of post-sedation care.
Oral Sedation
Dr Fine carefully selects from several types of proven medications for oral sedation, choosing the most appropriate option based on your individual medical history, anxiety level and specific treatment requirements.
Understanding Oral Sedation
The medications used for oral sedation include benzodiazepines such as lorazepam, diazepam or temazepam, which work by enhancing the calming effects of natural brain chemicals. Dr Fine may also prescribe antihistamines such as promethazine (Phenergan) or 'Z-drugs' such as Zolpidem (Stilnox), depending on your particular needs and medical circumstances.
Each medication type offers specific benefits, and Dr Fine's advanced training enables him to select the most suitable option for your situation. The choice depends on factors including the timing of your procedure, your medical history and how you've responded to similar medications in the past.
What Are the Advantages of Oral Sedation?
Oral sedation offers several significant benefits that make it an excellent choice for many patients:
- Low cost compared to other sedation methods, making anxiety relief accessible for more patients
- Easy to administer as the medication is simply swallowed by most people, requiring no needles or special equipment
- Low incidence of allergy, making it suitable for patients with various sensitivities
- Generally well accepted by most patients due to its familiar oral administration method
- Can be helpful for special needs patients as a pre-medication, helping them feel calm before arriving for treatment
Dr Fine's expertise ensures you receive the proper medication at the appropriate dose for safe, effective anxiety relief before your dental procedure.
Provision of Pain Control
While we value your preferences and concerns about sedation, the final decision regarding which type of sedation is most appropriate rests with Dr Fine as your qualified dental sedationist. This professional approach ensures your safety and the effectiveness of your treatment.
Personalised Dental Care and Sedation
The type of sedation is decided based on several critical factors including your medical history, current health status, the nature and complexity of your dental procedure, and your individual anxiety level. Dr Fine carefully evaluates each of these elements during your consultation to determine the most suitable sedation approach.
For example, a patient with certain medical conditions might not be suitable for IV sedation but could benefit greatly from nitrous oxide. Similarly, someone undergoing complex dental implant surgery may require deeper sedation than someone having a routine filling, regardless of their personal preference.
During your initial consultation, Dr Fine will discuss the available sedation options with you, explain why he's recommending a particular approach and address any concerns you may have. This collaborative discussion ensures you understand the reasoning behind his professional recommendation while feeling comfortable and informed about your sedation choice.
Your safety and comfort are paramount, and Dr Fine's professional assessment ensures you receive the most appropriate sedation for your unique circumstances.