Medication Safety: Reducing Anesthesia Medication Errors and Adverse Drug Events in Dentistry Part 2.

For decades, the dental profession has provided the full spectrum of anesthesia services ranging from local anesthesia to general anesthesia in the office-based ambulatory environment to alleviate pain and anxiety. However, despite a reported record of safety, complications occasionally occur. Two common contributing factors to general anesthesia and sedation complications are medication errors and adverse drug events.

Medication Safety: Reducing Anesthesia Medication Errors and Adverse Drug Events in Dentistry Part 1.

For decades, the dental profession has provided anesthesia services in office-based, ambulatory settings to alleviate pain and anxiety, ranging from local anesthesia to general anesthesia. However, despite a reported record of safety, complications occasionally occur. Two common contributing factors to general anesthesia and sedation complications are medication errors and adverse drug events.

Anesthetic Agents Commonly Used by Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons have a variety of anesthetic agents that can be used to provide anesthesia safely and efficiently in the office-based environment. However, it is critical to have a thorough understanding of the particulars for each agent. Commonly used anesthetic agents, administered either individually or in combination, include diazepam, midazolam, propofol, ketamine, opioid agonists such as fentanyl or remifentanil, dexmedetomidine, and inhalational agents, including nitrous oxide and sevoflurane.