Anesthesia Considerations in Dental Practice

Demand for anesthesia personnel outside of the operating room is increasing in dentistry. Anesthesia for dentistry is unique due to the shared airway and the limitations of the dental office environment. Knowledge of local anesthesia in dentistry is necessary as profound anesthesia is essential for sedation and may be indicated as an adjunct for general anesthesia. Nitrous oxide is also utilized alone or in conjunction with oral or parenteral sedation, and the anesthesia staff must be familiar with its use in dentistry. Stringent protocols for patient selection and monitoring are essential for safe administration of anesthesia in the dental setting.