It is natural to ask whether sedation is safe. When it is provided by a trained practitioner, in suitable patients, with proper monitoring and equipment, procedural sedation has a very good safety record. Like any medical treatment it carries some risk, which is why each of the steps below matters.
A team of two on every case
Dr Khan never sedates alone. Every sedation is provided by Dr Khan plus a registered nurse or a second medical doctor. Their only job during the procedure is your sedation and safety, so your dentist or doctor can concentrate on the treatment.
Careful assessment
Before sedation, Dr Khan reviews your medical history, medicines, allergies and previous experiences with anaesthesia. Some conditions, such as significant heart or lung disease or severe sleep apnoea, may mean a hospital setting is safer, and she will tell you so.
Continuous monitoring
Throughout the procedure, the team monitors:
- ECG (heart rhythm)
- Oxygen level
- Heart rate
- Blood pressure
Emergency readiness
Oxygen, emergency drugs and resuscitation equipment are brought to every case.
Recognised standards
Joburg Sedation follows the South African Society of Anaesthesiologists (SASA) guidelines for procedural sedation. Dr Khan is registered with the HPCSA as a medical practitioner and with SOSPOSA, the society for sedation practitioners in South Africa.
Your part
Following fasting and medication instructions, telling us about your full medical history, and having a responsible adult with you afterwards are some of the most important safety steps of all.
Talk to Dr Khan
If you have questions about sedation for your procedure, call or WhatsApp Dr Khan on 071 646 1513, or get in touch here. Dentists and doctors can also book a sedation team for their rooms.
This article is general information and not a substitute for medical advice. Dr Khan assesses every patient individually before sedation.