Frequently asked questions
A board-certified physician anesthesiologist is a medical doctor who after college completed four years of medical school and an additional four years of residency training in anesthesiology. Some physician anesthesiologists also complete an additional year or more of fellowship training in subspecialties of anesthesiology (e.g. cardiothoracic anesthesia, critical care medicine, pain management).
All of our physician anesthesiologists are board certified by The American Board of Anesthesiology.
Board certification is awarded to physicians who have completed approved medical school and residency training, successfully passed rigorous written and oral board examinations, and are continuing to participate in ongoing medical education to stay at the forefront of their field.
Your physician anesthesiologist's role is to:
evaluate your overall health before your procedure
customize an anesthetic plan that will ensure your comfort and safety during your procedure
administer the planned anesthesia care
facilitate completion of the indicated procedure
monitor your vital signs continuously throughout your procedure
assist in your recovery from anesthesia immediately following your procedure
Your physician anesthesiologist stays right with you throughout your procedure to:
ensure the appropriate level of sedation
continuously monitor your vital signs (e.g. heart rate and rhythm, blood pressure, oxygen levels, respiratory rate)
support your breathing and vitals as needed
fine tune the anesthetic to ensure your comfort during and immediately after your procedure
Yes, we are here for you!
Your physician anesthesiologist will visit with you in person at the office on the day of your procedure.
Your physician anesthesiologist may reach out to you in the days or weeks leading up to your procedure if there are questions about your overall health.
You may also request a call from your anesthesiologist should you have questions.
With mobile anesthesia care provided by a physician anesthesiologist, you can rest easy knowing you are receiving the highest level of care.
Mobile anesthesia allows your dentist or surgeon to perform the care you need right in the office, which is typically the most comfortable setting for both you and your dentist or surgeon.
Receiving care in the office allows you to avoid facility fees charged by hospitals and surgery centers.
Yes.
Make sure to share as accurately as possible:
any medical conditions, medical devices (e.g. pacemaker, insulin pump) or allergies you have
medications you are or should be taking
any alcohol, tobacco (including vaping) or recreational drug use (including marijuana)
any problems you may have had with anesthesia in the past
It is also very important to follow all instructions from your physician anesthesiologist including:
when to stop eating and drinking before your procedure
what medication to take or not take
Other things you can do to decrease risks associated with anesthesia and surgery include:
increasing exercise and activity in the weeks leading up to your procedure
stopping smoking and vaping 4-6 weeks before your procedure if possible, but even 12 hours of abstaining can help decrease your risk of complications
stop using marijuana at least one day before your procedure, and stopping several weeks before is even more beneficial
Each individual responds somewhat differently to anesthesia medications, though typically within a couple hours, many people are feeling quite awake.
In general, the longer the procedure duration, the more time needed for recovery.
As people get older, the effects of anesthesia can last longer.
Your overall rested state leading up to your procedure can also affect recovery time, with a poorly rested state resulting in a longer duration to recovery.