COMMON QUESTIONS

General FAQs

What are some of the benefits of anesthesia?

1. Dental treatment can be transformed into a relaxing and comfortable experience, as sensation, awareness, and recall are minimized or completely eliminated making it possible for the patient to not feel or remember any of the procedure.2. It can diminish fear and anxiety for phobic patients.3. Children and others who are unable to cooperate for standard dental work are able to undergo treatment in a caring manner.4. It helps combat a hyperactive gag reflex and can permit patients with a low pain threshold, or the inability to get numb to tolerate dental care.5. Extensive or intensive dental work can be completed comfortably and expediously.6. Patients save time and money compared to treatment in the hospital setting.7. It reduces the stress of dental work for patients suffering from chronic illnesses such as cardiac disease, hypertension, asthma, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and autism.8. It is safely performed in the comfort of the dentist’s office, and the patient goes home after treatment.

Who can I call with questions?

For any general questions, please call to speak with our Patient Coordinator at (949)529–9289.

Can you see patients with special needs?

Our anesthesiologists can provide care to patients that require additional care due to various conditions or circumstances. We can treat those with physical or cognitive disabilities, complex medical histories, or patients that have experienced difficulties with dental or medical procedures in the past. Although we would love to treat all patients, some may still be referred to the hospital for treatment if deemed necessary by the anesthesiologists.

What are the risks of anesthesia?

There are risks with everything we do in life from driving our cars, flying in airplanes, and even going into public spaces. The risk of anesthesia can range from very minor to serious. With today’s technology and medications, combined with the expertise of our anesthesia providers, you are statistically more likely to get injured while traveling to your appointment than have a serious complication under anesthesia. We always weigh the risks/benefits of the anesthesia in order to put our patients in the safest situation possible. These risks will be discussed prior to any appointment and our team is available to answer any questions you may have. Again, there are risks with any procedure, but anesthesia in dentistry performed by trained specialists is incredibly safe.

How is it different than hospital anesthesia?

Although the level and depth of anesthesia are the same there are a few differences that can be beneficial for caregivers and the patients

The treatment is performed in the comfortable and convenient environment of your dental office.
More personalized care is offered.
There is a reduction in overall costs.
More efficient procedure time, thus less time under anesthesia.

The monitoring equipment and safety precautions used are the same as those used in hospital-based anesthesia. Typically, we tend to work with healthy patients in a dentist’s office. We will collect health information to assure you or your loved one are good candidates for office-based anesthesia. We expect all patients to go home within a short time of their surgical procedure.

Is anesthesia safe for young kids?

Millions of children receive anesthesia every day for many different reasons, and safety is our utmost priority. Strict guidelines are in place to ensure each child’s comfort and safety. A thorough review of the patient’s health history will be completed to ensure that office-based anesthesia can be safely completed and is in the patient’s best interest.

Is office-based anesthesia safe?

Yes, all of our anesthesia providers employ exactly same monitoring standards and equipment in your dentist’s office as we would use in a hospital. A dentist anesthesiologist and their team will be in constant attendance, and full resuscitation equipment and medications are immediately available. All of our anesthesiologists come equipped to handle any anesthesia-related emergency. In the unlikely event that an emergency does occur, our ELITE providers follow strict emergency protocols to assure the best possible outcomes.

What is office-based anesthesia?

Our team of highly-trained anesthesia specialists are able to come to the comfort of your dental office and perform anesthesia at the same level that is received in a traditional surgical center. These anesthesia services are provided with a more personalized approach, in a less threatening environment, and at a fraction of the cost.

Is anesthesia for dental procedures really necessary?

Each individual responds differently in their dentist’s chair. If you or your loved one is unable or unwilling to cooperate enough for your dentist to achieve his or her treatment goals, there needs to be a discussion between you and your dentist about how to achieve this. Your dentist will consult with both you and our team when he or she decides that the best way to work on you or your loved one’s teeth is with the use of sedation/anesthesia. Office-based anesthesia helps to prevent possible trauma, reduce dental anxiety and possibly improve overall safety. Every patient’s unique treatment plan and circumstances are taken into account to ensure that they receive a high-quality experience.

COMMON QUESTIONS

Pre-operative Questions

Do I need to have someone else with me?

If you are the patient, we ask that you have a responsible adult prepared to drive you home after your procedure. Parents/guardians of minor children are expected to remain at the dental office throughout their child’s procedure and prepared to drive the child home. Parents/guardians will need to plan to stay home with their child for the remainder of the day.

Do I need to pay a deposit?

For patients 12 years or younger, we require payment before an appointment is made. Additional fees will be collected in full on the date of surgery if anesthesia time is over 1.5 hours. We accept check and all major credit cards. Please contact us at (949)529-9289 with any questions that you may have concerning this. For teen and adult patients, we require payment before an appointment is made. Depending on the length of the surgery being performed, will determine how much the remaining balance will be for anesthesia. We accept checks and all major credit cards. Please contact us at (949)529-9289 with any questions that you may have concerning this.

How do I secure an appointment?

Your dentist should provide you with options on available dates. Please fill out all necessary forms. Once we receive all this information our patient coordinator will reach out to you with confirmation and some basic instructions. For any questions, please contact us at (949)529-9289.

Should I take my medications before coming for my procedure?

Each patient and their medical history are unique, and we will instruct you to either take or withhold some or all of your medications. It is usually okay to take your medications with a small sip of water 2 hours prior to surgery if instructed to do so by the anesthesiologist.

What are the eating and drinking guidelines?

Appointments before 11:00 AM:– Nothing to eat or drink beginning midnight the night before all patients.– Medications may be taken as directed by your doctor at least 2 hours prior with a SMALL sip of water.Appointments after 11:00 AM:– Nothing to eat beginning 8 hours prior to anesthesia.– May drink water ONLY up until 4 hours prior to anesthesia.– Medications may be taken as directed by your doctor at least 2 hours prior with a SMALL sip of water.

What can I expect during the preoperative phase of care?

You will be contacted before the procedure by Elite Sedation to help determine whether you or your child is a suitable candidate for office-based anesthesia. Closer to the date (usually the night before), your anesthesiologist will attempt to contact you and discuss any questions you might have.On the day of the procedure, the anesthesiologist will meet with you and/or your loved one before they go into the procedure room. A pre-op physical will be completed, food/drink restrictions will be confirmed and all questions will be addressed. Our providers strive to make this process the most enjoyable, relaxing, and fun experience possible to reduce the overall level of stress that you or your loved one may be experiencing.

What forms do I need to fill out?

Your dentist’s office should provide you with all the necessary registration paperwork. We can send you a link directly to your phone or email just please call us at (949) 529-9289.

What should I or my child wear?

– We ask that your child wear loose, comfortable clothing in two, separate pieces (top and bottom) for their procedure.– Remove any loose jewelry.– Tie back long hair in a low ponytail (near the shoulders).– It’s also advised you bring an extra set of clothes and a blanket.

Who can I call with questions?

Please contact us at (949)529-9289 with any questions that you may have.

Why can’t I eat or drink anything before my appointment?

When a person is anesthetized, certain bodily reflexes no longer work. One of those reflexes is keeping stomach contents out of the lungs. Therefore, if someone goes to sleep with something in their stomach there is a chance for those contents to end up in the patient’s lungs (this is called aspiration). This can be catastrophic and sometimes fatal. In order to completely avoid this risk, we require the stomach to be empty prior to surgery.

COMMON QUESTIONS

Post-operative Questions

What can I expect during the postoperative phase of care?

Your anesthesiologist will go over post‑op care instructions and discharge paperwork. Once the patient has been discharged, they will be free to leave the clinic.

Will I/my child be angry when coming out of anesthesia?

Each patient handles anesthesia differently. There is a possibility that the patient may be angry after anesthesia. Many times, this “anger” is associated with the feeling of being disoriented and the mouth feeling different than it did before. We do everything possible to try and wake the child smoothly to minimize this disorientation.

Will I/my child be nauseous after anesthesia?

Each patient handles anesthesia differently. There is a possibility that the patient may be nauseous after anesthesia. Our Protocol at Elite Sedation is to give each patient multiple medications to try to mitigate any post‑operative Nausea. However, Nausea can be a very common complication of anesthesia and the patient may still have that experience. If you or your child gets nauseous easily, please let your anesthesia provider know.

What are the common side effects of anesthesia?

Side effects vary from person to person, the most common side effects include nausea and vomiting, sore throat, and physical and mental impairment. These effects are generally mild and short‑lived.

Can I/my child resume normal activities after anesthesia?

Do not participate in physically demanding activities including but not limited to sports, dancing, swimming, bicycle riding, snow sports, gymnastics, and general horseplay. Although you may appear to be fully awake and alert and requesting to participate in such activities, coordination and the ability to react and respond during physical activity may continue to be impaired and lead to unintended injuries.

How long will it take for me/my child to recover from anesthesia?

The patient will be in the recovery room for 20 to 45 minutes after the procedure. At home the patient will likely continue to recover. They must rest for the remainder of the day with limited physical activity.

What should will I/my child be able to eat or drink after anesthesia?

It is recommended that clear liquids are given or offered as soon as possible as your child requests and tolerates them. Other liquids and food should be advanced as the child tolerates them. Sometimes your child may vomit or become nauseous as food and liquid are given – this is why it is important to start to clear liquids first to ensure they can tolerate the next level of intake. Encourage as much fluid intake as possible throughout the day as this will help your child recover from the medications he or she has received. IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOUR CHILD IS NOT DEHYDRATED. The lasting effects of the medications combined with a state of dehydration can become a dangerous situation.

Will I/my child be in pain after the procedure? Will I/my child be in pain after the procedure?

Patients may feel slightly groggy or tired for a few hours after their procedure. Although the patient may feel fine, their memory, coordination, and judgment may be impaired for the remainder of the day. All effects of anesthesia should be gone within 24 hours. Depending on the type and extent of the surgery, the patient may have varying amounts of discomfort. Pain management will be discussed at the end of the procedure and instructions will be provided.

COMMON QUESTIONS

Procedure Questions

What are some of the benefits of anesthesia?

Who can I call with questions?

For any general questions, please call to speak with our Patient Coordinator at (949)529–9289.

Can you see patients with special needs?

What are the risks of anesthesia?

How is it different than hospital anesthesia?

Although the level and depth of anesthesia are the same there are a few differences that can be beneficial for caregivers and the patients

The treatment is performed in the comfortable and convenient environment of your dental office.
More personalized care is offered.
There is a reduction in overall costs.
More efficient procedure time, thus less time under anesthesia.

Is anesthesia safe for young kids?

Is office-based anesthesia safe?

What is office-based anesthesia?

Is anesthesia for dental procedures really necessary?

Financial Questions

Everything you need to know about office questions

Do I need to pay a deposit?

For patients 12 years or younger, we require payment in full for 1.5 hours of anesthesia or less no later than 2 business days before their appointment date. Additional fees will be collected in full on the date of surgery if anesthesia time is over 1.5 hours. We accept check and all major credit cards. Please contact us at (949)529–9289 with any questions that you may have concerning this. For teen and adult patients, we require a full deposit of estimated time when the appointment is made. Depending on the length of the surgery being performed, will determine how much the remaining balance will be for anesthesia. We accept check and all major credit cards. Please contact us at (949)529–9289 with any questions that you may have concerning this.

Do you accept insurance?

Elite Sedation Group is a fee–for–service practice and is currently out–of–network with all private insurance companies. Elite Sedation Group does not manage insurance claims; however, you are welcome to submit your independent reimbursement claim. We can provide you with an ADA–approved Dental Claim Form (with our sections filled out) for you to review, complete, and send directly to your carrier after the procedure.

Will I get a receipt of payment?

Upon patient request, we are happy to send you a receipt for all payments made.

Who do I pay?

To make a payment please contact our patient coordinator at (949)529–9289.

What is the cost for anesthesia?

The total anesthesia fee will be dependent upon the length of dental treatment being performed and can be confirmed after the appointment. Please contact your dental office for an estimate of the procedure length.

How likely is it that I will get reimbursed by my insurance?

Each patient's insurance coverage/benefits are different. We cannot guarantee that the patient’s insurance plan will offer any reimbursement.