Anesthesia | North Raleigh
Highly Trained and Qualified Anesthesia Administration
Qualified applicants will then undergo an in-office evaluation by a state dental board-appointed examiner.
The examiner:
- observes actual surgical procedures during which general anesthesia is administered to multiple patients
- inspects all monitoring devices and emergency equipment and tests the doctor and the surgical staff on anesthesia-related emergencies.
If the examiner reports successful completion of the evaluation process, the state dental board will issue the doctor a license to perform Intravenous Sedation. The license is renewable every two years if the doctor maintains the required amount of continuing education units related to anesthesia.
Dr. Kozacko has had his North Carolina dental anesthesia license since 1997 and is an anesthesia examiner for the North Carolina State Dental Board. When it comes to anesthesia, our first priority is the patient’s comfort and safety. If you have any concerns regarding the type of anesthesia that will be administered during your oral surgery procedure, please do not hesitate to discuss your concerns with your doctor at the time of your consultation.
Intravenous Sedation
Our office offers our patients Intravenous Sedation for their surgical procedures. Most of Dr. Kozacko’s surgeries are performed under deep Intravenous sedation. However, sedation can be kept light “twilight sedation” if a patient desires.
Most patients are completely asleep and relaxed during their surgeries and remember nothing afterward. If light Intravenous Sedation or “twilight sedation” is requested, you will be very calm and relaxed during your surgery but you won’t be completely asleep.
How is the IV sedation administered?
A thin catheter will be introduced into a vein in your arm or hand. The catheter will then be attached to an intravenous tube through which medication will be given to help you relax and to feel comfortable.
Your vital signs will be monitored throughout your surgery via:
- electronic blood pressure
- pulse oximeter
- and EKG monitors
For additional safety, a second anesthesia assistant monitors your breathing throughout your surgery and recovery with a device called a precordial stethoscope.
The goal of IV sedation is to use as little medication as possible to get the treatment completed. It is very safe and actually is much safer than oral sedation.
With IV sedation, a constant “drip” is maintained via the intravenous tube. At any time medication can be administered to reverse the effects of the sedative medications if necessary.
Once again, if you have any questions related to the type of anesthesia that will be administered during your surgery, please do not hesitate to discuss this with Dr. Kozacko at your consultation.