• Will I be totally asleep?
• Is it safe?
• What about my general health condition?
• Will it react with my medications?
• Do I need to fast?
• Can I drive myself home?
• When can I go back to work?

Will I be totally asleep?

• Maybe. Responses to medications vary from patient to patient; therefore some patients may sleep soundly through the procedure while others may seem slightly awake.
• However, due to the amnesia properties of the medications, patients will not remember anything. (Sometimes patients don't even remember going to sleep!)
• Because the medications are introduced through an I.V., the level of proper sedation can be maintained throughout the entire procedure. Local anasthetic is used after the patient is asleep for an increased level of comfort ability.

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Is it safe?

• YES. Dr. Gasbara will monitor your vital signs which include:
  • blood pressure
  • pulse
  • respiratory rate
  • oxygen saturation
• I.V. sedation is not the same as general anesthesia therefore patients are able to breathe on their own and always have their protective reflexes (coughing and swallowing) intact.
• The medications used are safe and are some of the most common in the anesthesia field.

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What about my general health condition?

• Patients requesting I.V. sedation must be in good health.

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Will it react with my medications?

• Maybe. Dr. Gasbara will review your medical history and determine if there are any contraindications to the medications he will be using.
• If medical clearance is necessary he will contact your physician.

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Do I need to fast?

• Yes. Do not eat or drink 6 hours before your appointment.

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Can I drive myself home?

• NO. You must have someone drive you home after the procedure.

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When can I go back to work?

• Most patients can return to work within two days.
• However, recovery times vary depending upon the individual and the treatment performed.

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