Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Dentist Anesthesiologist ?
Dentist Anesthesiologists are licensed dentists who must complete three additional years of accredited post-doctoral education in medical and dental anesthesiology. Each state has stringent requirements allowing them to provide anesthesia services in dental offices. After completing the state’s requirements, they qualify as specialists in Dental Anesthesiology.
How are Dentist Anesthesiologists trained?
Currently, Dentist Anesthesiologists undergo 3 years of additional post-graduate residency training in anesthesia. The American Dental Association’s Commission on Dental Accreditation accredits these residency programs. In addition, these programs are affiliated with hospital anesthesia programs and must comply with Graduate Medical Education (GME) standards. Physician Anesthesiologists train Dentist Anesthesiologists in the hospital alongside medical anesthesia residents. They will also participate on the code team and be on call during their time in the hospital. Dentist Anesthesiologists provide anesthesia for both medical and dental procedures exposing them to a wide array of procedures and complex patients. Dr. Carillo was fortunate to train in a Level I Trauma and Burn Center where he provided anesthesia for a variety of surgeries including dental, gastrointestinal, urologic, orthopedic, general, ENT, spinal, brain, burn, trauma, vascular, and plastic surgeries.
Is anesthesia safe?
Overall, anesthesia is very safe when appropriately tailored to each patient with a plan. Even those patients with significant medical conditions can safely undergo anesthesia in the dental office. Many precautions will be taken for your safety. Modern day anesthetic medications, monitoring equipment, and techniques make anesthesia given by a properly trained provider extremely safe. Dr. Carillo will be with you from the time you go to sleep, by your side throughout the entire procedure monitoring you, and through your recovery period until you are deemed fit to leave the office. There are always risks associated with anesthesia, but Dr. Carillo will mitigate these risks with safe medications, thorough monitoring and experience to strive for the best outcome for each and every patient.
Do I get anesthesia services at my dentist’s office?
Yes. Evergreen Dental Anesthesia is a mobile anesthesia practice providing anesthesia services in your current dentist’s office. This allows for a more convenient and familiar experience. It also allows for better access to patients who should elect to receive anesthesia in the dentist office.
What age groups do you treat?
We routinely treat pediatric patients as well as adult patients including geriatrics. As a Dentist Anesthesiologist, Dr. Carillo has specifically trained and worked with various patients groups of all ages. If you have any questions or concerns about whether it is safe for a particular patient to receive anesthesia, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Do you treat patients with special needs?
Absolutely. We take great pride in providing the finest anesthesia services to all those who are deemed fit for office-based anesthesia. Dr. Carillo is passionate about providing access to the dental care for all those in need.
What is the difference between sedation and general anesthesia?
Sedation occurs on a continuum, from minimal sedation to general anesthesia and patients progress along that line based on the medication given, the route, the dose and the patient’s own clinical status.
During sedation, you will be given enough anesthetic to feel relaxed and comfortable. This is typically achieved through intravenous medications. There are three levels of sedation - minimal, moderate, and deep. Minimal sedation helps you relax but you will likely be awake, this is often not adequate if you require more invasive procedures. Moderate sedation is when you feel drowsy or even fall asleep during the procedure. You may or may not remember the procedure and might take longer to recover and wake from this state. Deep sedation is like twilight sedation, where you will be dreamy and fall asleep. You are not totally unconscious, but it takes much more to wake and recover you from this state than moderate sedation. You will sleep through the procedure and have little memory of the procedure. This is usually recommended for longer and/or more complex procedures or if you have significant dental phobia or are very anxious.
General anesthesia is a compete loss of consciousness, therefore, you will fall asleep. The agents involved may be through gas inhalation or intravenous medications or a combination of both. While under general anesthesia, you will be unaware of stimulation and your surroundings.
Regardless of what type of anesthesia you receive, your heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, and oxygenation will be closely monitored throughout the entire procedure. We use the same medications, equipment, and techniques as those used in hospitals so you are truly getting hospital grade anesthesia in your dentist’s office.
How will I be monitored during my procedure?
During your procedure, your vital signs (heart rate, blood pressure, heart rhythm, breathing patterns/rates, temperature, and oxygenation) will be continuously monitored and recorded. Equipment includes a blood pressure cuff, a pulse oximeter, an electrocardiogram, temperature probe, and end-tidal CO2 gas analysis. Your anesthesiologist will be right beside you throughout the entire procedure to ensure your safety and comfort.
How long do the effects of anesthesia last until I feel “normal” again? When can I return to work/school?
The effects of sedation and/or general anesthesia will usually wear off within a few hours of your procedure, but you should not drive, operate heavy machinery or make any important decisions for 24 hours. You may return to regular activities, including work or school, the following day after you receive anesthesia if you have an uneventful recovery. Even though you may feel okay after the anesthesia it may still affect certain abilities for some time so it is important to plan for this resting period before your appointment.
What are common side effects from the anesthesia and medications used?
Anesthetic drugs have occasional side effects after anesthesia including nausea/vomiting, dizziness, and sleepiness. Some patients may experience a sore throat and minor aches. Usually these effects will have resolved or greatly improved within 24 hours after discharge. It is important to drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated and take pain medication as directed by your dentist or surgeon.
What if I become sick before my appointment? Is my appointment cancelled?
It is safest for you to receive anesthesia when you are feeling well. If you become sick or don’t feel well before your appointment, it is important to let your dentist’s office and Dr. Carillo know as soon as possible. If Dr. Carillo determines you are too sick for anesthesia your appointment can be rescheduled without the loss of your deposit.
Will anesthesia be covered by my insurance?
It is important that reimbursement for the anesthesia fee by dental or medical insurance programs NOT be assumed. In-office sedation or general anesthesia for dentistry is rarely a covered benefit on most dental and/or medical insurance plans. Be sure to check with your specific insurance provider for policy details, including yearly maximums. Evergreen Dental Anesthesia will not bill your insurance but can provide a detailed receipt of the services rendered which can be sent to the insurance company for direct reimbursement. Unfortunately, every insurance plan is different and therefore it is difficult to give a clear answer to whether they will reimburse you or not.
What are the costs?
For a detailed explanation of costs, please go to the Deposit/Fees and Payment Information page.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept cash and all major credit cards. We do not accept personal or business checks.
When is my payment due?
Prior to your appointment, a deposit is due to reserve your anesthesiologist for that portion of the day. The remainder of payment for anesthesia services is due the day of treatment at the end of the case.
