Frequently asked questions

Texas Anesthesia Care is a mobile anesthesia service providing anesthesia and sedation to patients of dental professionals. The type of anesthesia provided to the patient depends on the type of procedure, the preferences of the patient, and the needs of the dentist. Typically, we provide general anesthesia (meaning the patients are completely asleep with an airway protection device) for smaller children and special needs patients. For patients who don't want to be completely asleep, we offer other types of sedation including conscious "twilight" and IV sedation.

For those receiving general anesthesia (completely asleep), the patients will have all the standard American Society of Anesthesiology monitors placed. After verifying that the patient is ready for anesthesia, special medicine will be given, either through an IV or a mask. During the entire length of the procedure, the anesthesiologist will be with the patient, making sure the patient is comfortable. When the treatment is completed, the anesthesia will be discontinued and the patient will be allowed to wake up on their own.

Anesthesia is administered by a licensed Texas Anesthesia Care anesthesiologist, who was trained in a hospital-based anesthesiology residency program. Medications used are all state-of-the-art, considered safe, and used as intended. The anesthesiologist, through his clinical skills and modern electronic equipment, monitors your vital signs (pulse, breathing, blood pressure, oxygen level, and heart rhythm) and assures they are maintained normally throughout your procedure.

Texas Anesthesia Care has invested considerable resources into being able to provide sedation and anesthesia for people of all ages and abilities. For children, Texas Anesthesia Care will bring a hospital caliber anesthesia machine to the office, this will allow the patients to fall asleep using a mask (no needles!). The parents of the patient will be allowed to be with the patient until the patient falls asleep and will be present while the patient wakes up. This helps the patients awake comfortably in the presence of their parents and lowers the chance of separation anxiety.

Though it is important to understand that all forms of sedation and anesthesia carry some risk, dental anesthesiologists have a commendable safety record while providing care in private dental offices. Dentist Anesthesiologists are the most highly trained anesthesia providers in the field of dentistry, completing at least two years of a hospital based anesthesiology residency. They are trained to provide anesthesia in both the hospital and dental office settings. All the medications used are state of the art, considered safe, and used as intended. To ensure the safety of the procedure, it is very important that the patient is completely honest about their medical history and that they refrain from eating or drinking the morning of the appointment.

One of the most common side effects of general anesthesia and sedation is nausea and vomiting. If you have experienced nausea after anesthesia for a previous surgery, or if you have motion sickness, you are susceptible to nausea following anesthesia and we encourage you to let us know. Irritation at the site of the IV is a rare but potential complication for those who receive an IV for their treatment. Most people wake up 15 to 30 minutes after anesthesia has been stopped. However, because everybody has a different response to medications, a delayed recovery may happen, especially after extended procedures. Respiratory depression (slow or shallow breathing) is a very rare complication but may occur after anesthesia. On rare occasions, this may require that your breathing is assisted through a breathing machine or that you are given medications to help you breathe better. Allergic reactions are rare, but are typically managed with the use of emergency medications to reverse the signs and symptoms of the reaction. A child may urinate during or after an extended procedure. Please have young children wear diapers or training pants, and bring an extra change of clothes for older children.

One of the most serious complications with general anesthesia happens when a patient does not follow the food and water restrictions as outlined. Under anesthesia, certain muscles relax allowing stomach contents to come back up the esophagus and into the lungs. When food or water is inhaled into the lungs, the patient is unable to breathe and this requires extensive treatment in a hospital with advanced medications and possibly surgical procedures. Please follow the food and water restrictions as outlined. Unless told otherwise, assume that all eating and drinking is stopped the midnight before your appointment. If your child is receiving general anesthesia make sure the child remains under your supervision for the entire morning leading up to the appointment. Children who are allowed to go to school or daycare programs on the day of their appointment will be re-scheduled.

The doctors of Texas Anesthesia Care participate with very few private insurance programs. Following the completion of your treatment under anesthesia, Texas Anesthesia Care will provide you a document stating the treatment completed with the corresponding medical codes. This document may be submitted from you to your insurance company for potential reimbursement.