Anesthesia

Dr. Sabbagh administers IV anesthesia in the office setting for oral and maxillofacial surgery procedures. Dr.Sabbagh as an oral and maxillofacial surgeon received formal training in general anesthesia and deep sedation. Anesthesia training is a standard part of the training of oral and maxillofacial surgeons in accredited oral surgery residency programs. Dr. Sabbagh obtained her training in anesthesia as part of her combined M.D. Oral and Maxillofacial residency program at the prestigious University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia,PA. Her anesthesia training consisted of didactic as well as daily administration of general anesthesia to a wide variety of patients as part of the Department of Anesthesia at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Her patients were orthopedic, gynecological, general surgical, oral surgical and urological in nature, giving her a wide range of experience.

Dr. Sabbagh continues to demonstrate excellence in anesthesia. She is a Diplomate and Fellow of the American Society of Dental Anesthesiology. For more lengthy cases, Dr. Sabbagh may opt to perform her surgery at the hospital either St. Joseph's Regional Medical Center in Tacoma. WA or St. Francis Hospital in Federal Way WA . where she maintains her hospital privileges. This is determined at the time of consultation. Call today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Sabbagh for your oral and maxillofacial surgery and be sure to discuss with her your anesthesia concerns and questions.

What is the difference between sedation dentistry and IV anesthesia?

Sedation dentistry is a terminology that is used by general dentists who take additional continuing education to learn after dental school the basics of sedation. The sedation is usually conscious sedation. Conscious sedation is a very mild form of sedative that is taken by mouth to relax the individual. The patient who undergoes sedation dentistry or conscious sedation is able to maintain their airway. Sedation dentistry is the use of anti anxiety medications such as Valium or Ativan for pre treatment relaxation. The dentist attends a continuing education course to learn the basics of CPR and ACLS (advanced cardiac life support).

Anesthesia Training in an accredited Oral and Maxillofacial program

Anesthesia training is integrated into the formal training of the oral and maxillofacial surgeon. The anesthesia training is often taken along with anesthesia residents and is extensive lasting for months. The oral and maxillofacial surgeon after completing the anesthesia rotation in the training program is adept at the administration of anesthesia and fully trained in medical emergencies. Dr. Sabbagh is also a M.D. having completed medical school in the United States and passed her medical boards in the United States. She holds an active medical, dental and anesthesia permit in the State of Washington and several other states.

Dr. Sabbagh is also trained in administration of anesthesia to children as well as senior patients. She and her staff are ACLS certified (Advanced Cardiac Life Support as well as CPR and basic life support).

Choosing the Right Anesthesia Technique

It is natural to have many questions regarding the anesthesia for you or your loved ones. The time to ask questions is at the consultation. Dr. Sabbagh is always willing to review any aspect of your treatment. No question will go unanswered at Sabbagh Oral Surgery because education of the patient is an integral part of the overall success of the surgical experience. IV anesthesia when performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon is a comfortable and safe procedure.

Medications for IV anesthesia

There are usually two different classes of drugs used to induce anesthesia. The anti anxiety class such as Midazolam or Valium are anti anxiety drugs or anxiolytic (destroy anxiety) drugs. This class of drugs usually produces a very relaxed state or a sense of well being. This class of pharmaceutical is used as a pre operative medication and is used during the procedure as well. This is the class of drug that some dentists use for conscious sedation or sedation dentistry. Most dentists that use this drug for conscious sedation administer it by mouth. Dr. Sabbagh administers this pharmaceutical by IV. Occasionally, after consultation, if the patient is frightened, Dr. Sabbagh will prescribe an oral form of an anti anxiety medication as a pre med.

Narcotics are another class of drug that is used during IV anesthesia. A narcotic can slow the respiratory system as well as decrease the sensation of pain. Any office that administers narcotics must be highly trained in IV anesthesia and have an anesthesia permit. Oral surgeons  such as Dr. Emily Sabbagh are highly trained in IV anesthesia and administer narcotics as well as anti anxiety medication.

Monitoring for Safety

At the office of Dr. Emily Sabbagh, safety is our primary concern. Dr. Sabbagh monitors the patient's heart rate EKG, oxygen and respirations as well as blood pressure, CO2,  and heart rate. Her highly trained staff is recording the patients vital signs all throughout the case. This protocol is Washington State law and every office which performs IV anesthesia is required to abide by this rule with proper monitoring equipment and emergency pharmaceuticals, defibrillator, and oxygen delivery system. The patient is recovered carefully always watching and recording vitals and responsiveness. Dr. Sabbagh will review the post operative instructions with the patient's family. Of course the patient will have Dr. Sabbagh's phone number for any after hour questions or concerns.

Anesthesia and Insurance

Most dental insurances cover IV anesthesia by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Dr. Sabbagh is in network for may dental insurances. When you call for an appointment simply provide your dental insurance information and our highly skilled insurance and financial coordinator will begin the process of verifying and if necessary pre authorizing your insurance to give you the closest estimate for your co-pay.