What is dental anesthesiology?

Dental anesthesiology is the practice of providing sedation and general anesthesia for dental treatment. Dr. Rad is a physician anesthesiologist, meaning his medical training and board certification are in anesthesia itself, and he provides that care in the dental office so the treating dentist can concentrate on the procedure.

Why would a patient need anesthesia for dental treatment?

Because some patients cannot complete treatment while awake. Young children may be unable to cooperate for the length of a procedure. Patients with special needs or significant medical complexity may need closer monitoring than ordinary dental care provides. Others have anxiety severe enough that treatment has been postponed for years. Anesthesia is also used where treatment is extensive enough that completing it in one appointment is preferable to many.

What types of anesthesia are available?

The range runs from oral sedation, through moderate intravenous sedation and deep sedation, to general anesthesia. Total intravenous anesthesia is a general anesthetic delivered entirely through a vein with no inhaled agent. The right choice depends on the patient, the procedure, and the length of the appointment, and is determined at the pre-operative evaluation.

What is mobile anesthesia?

Dr. Rad brings the complete anesthesia setup to the dental office, including monitoring, airway management equipment, anesthetic medications, and emergency drugs. Everything is prepared in the operatory before the patient arrives and removed afterward. The practice is not asked to buy, store, or maintain anything.

Is anesthesia in a dental office safe?

Safety in this setting comes from three things: a physician whose only responsibility during the case is the anesthetic, continuous monitoring of oxygenation, ventilation, circulation and temperature, and emergency equipment and medications prepared before treatment begins. Dr. Rad performs the pre-operative evaluation himself and remains with the patient from induction through discharge.

Who administers the anesthesia?

Dr. Rad personally. He performs the pre-operative evaluation, administers the anesthetic, monitors the patient throughout, and manages the recovery. The case is not handed off.

How should a patient prepare?

Fasting instructions are provided before the appointment and should be followed exactly. Dr. Rad will ask about medical history, current medications, allergies, and any previous experience with anesthesia. Recent illness, particularly in children, should be reported, since it may mean rescheduling. An adult must accompany the patient home.

Will the patient remember the procedure?

Under general anesthesia, no. Under moderate or deep sedation, most patients have little or no memory of the treatment and commonly describe the appointment as having passed in a moment.

How long does recovery take?

The patient is monitored until awake, stable, and ready to leave. Most people feel largely themselves within a few hours, though drowsiness through the rest of the day is normal. Written aftercare instructions are given before discharge, and Dr. Rad remains reachable afterward.

Does the dentist need a sedation permit?

No. The anesthesia permit is held by the anesthesiologist, who also carries responsibility for the anesthetic and for confirming that the facility meets the required safety standards. Dr. Rad holds California general anesthesia permit MGA 390 with pediatric endorsement.

Which areas does Dr. Rad serve?

Beverly Hills and greater Los Angeles. Scheduling is arranged around the patient, including private and after-hours appointments.

Frequently asked questions

Questions patients and dentists ask.

The questions below come up most often, from patients and families before treatment and from dental practices considering anesthesia support. Anything not covered here can be answered directly by email or telephone.

Answers

Dental anesthesia, in plain terms.

What is dental anesthesiology?

Dental anesthesiology is the practice of providing sedation and general anesthesia for dental treatment. Dr. Rad is a physician anesthesiologist, meaning his medical training and board certification are in anesthesia itself, and he provides that care in the dental office so the treating dentist can concentrate on the procedure.
Why would a patient need anesthesia for dental treatment?

Because some patients cannot complete treatment while awake. Young children may be unable to cooperate for the length of a procedure. Patients with special needs or significant medical complexity may need closer monitoring than ordinary dental care provides. Others have anxiety severe enough that treatment has been postponed for years. Anesthesia is also used where treatment is extensive enough that completing it in one appointment is preferable to many.
What types of anesthesia are available?

The range runs from oral sedation, through moderate intravenous sedation and deep sedation, to general anesthesia. Total intravenous anesthesia is a general anesthetic delivered entirely through a vein with no inhaled agent. The right choice depends on the patient, the procedure, and the length of the appointment, and is determined at the pre-operative evaluation.
What is mobile anesthesia?

Dr. Rad brings the complete anesthesia setup to the dental office, including monitoring, airway management equipment, anesthetic medications, and emergency drugs. Everything is prepared in the operatory before the patient arrives and removed afterward. The practice is not asked to buy, store, or maintain anything.
Is anesthesia in a dental office safe?

Safety in this setting comes from three things: a physician whose only responsibility during the case is the anesthetic, continuous monitoring of oxygenation, ventilation, circulation and temperature, and emergency equipment and medications prepared before treatment begins. Dr. Rad performs the pre-operative evaluation himself and remains with the patient from induction through discharge.
Who administers the anesthesia?

Dr. Rad personally. He performs the pre-operative evaluation, administers the anesthetic, monitors the patient throughout, and manages the recovery. The case is not handed off.
How should a patient prepare?

Fasting instructions are provided before the appointment and should be followed exactly. Dr. Rad will ask about medical history, current medications, allergies, and any previous experience with anesthesia. Recent illness, particularly in children, should be reported, since it may mean rescheduling. An adult must accompany the patient home.
Will the patient remember the procedure?

Under general anesthesia, no. Under moderate or deep sedation, most patients have little or no memory of the treatment and commonly describe the appointment as having passed in a moment.
How long does recovery take?

The patient is monitored until awake, stable, and ready to leave. Most people feel largely themselves within a few hours, though drowsiness through the rest of the day is normal. Written aftercare instructions are given before discharge, and Dr. Rad remains reachable afterward.
Does the dentist need a sedation permit?

No. The anesthesia permit is held by the anesthesiologist, who also carries responsibility for the anesthetic and for confirming that the facility meets the required safety standards. Dr. Rad holds California general anesthesia permit MGA 390 with pediatric endorsement.
Which areas does Dr. Rad serve?

Beverly Hills and greater Los Angeles. Scheduling is arranged around the patient, including private and after-hours appointments.

Contact

Ask something else.

Questions are answered by Dr. Rad directly. There is no form on this site. Practices can also review the practical guide for referring dentists, and the full record of training is in the CV. Full contact details are on the contact page.

info@dramirrad.com 310.339.6264