twilight sleep - Dental Health Message Board

savanannastar · 07-15-2004, 08:43 PM

What is twilight sleep?Is this all they offer or can you be put all the way under?Also who is the one that puts you to sleep a nurse or the doc?

theresainpa · 07-16-2004, 02:15 AM

a twilight sleep is where you are just about fully asleep you are semiawake but very little, im sure you are talking about a i.v sedation?? that is what i just had for my extractions you really dont hear or feel much of what is going on cuzz of the iv sedation and other drugs you are given at the sametime, makes you be in your own world you wont remember much at all i remember out of the 45 mins is how old is she thats all i remember them saying..good luck on what ever u are getting done

Doppler4000 · 07-16-2004, 06:29 AM

It's a type of general anaesthesia (most safely and effectively administered through a small IV) where you remain conscious, so you still control all your bodily functions and assistance with those things (such as with the placement of a breathing tube) is not necessary. You might actually be somewhat responsive to commands and questions while you're out, but the drugs usually induce a state of amnesia so that once you wake up you won't really remember anything. As far as you're concerned, it will seem like you were "all the way under". Talk more to your doc before you have it done if you want more details.

Nance77 · 07-16-2004, 09:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by savanannastar

What is twilight sleep?Is this all they offer or can you be put all the way under?Also who is the one that puts you to sleep a nurse or the doc?

Hi..I just had this IV sedation done when I had a tooth extracted, and it was really great...To me, it seemed like I was all the way under, cos I did not remember a thing from the time they put the medication in the IV, until I woke up with the guaze in my mouth....They say you are responsive to commands, and maybe I was, but I didnt remember it...The oral surgeon started the IV, and then the nurse would put the meds in as he told her to...
They measure your vital signs while you are out, so everything is very safe..
My meds were a mixture of Versed ( like Valium) and Demerol...

ussentinel · 07-20-2004, 10:59 AM

My experience pretty much echoes the others. I didn't exactly know what was meant by "twilight sedation" either before I got wisdom teeth removed last February. The oral surgeon himself administered anesthetic via an IV in my arm. He said, "Now I'm going to get you something that will help you get through this ... just close your eyes ... and go to sleep."

I shut my eyes, only I didn't fall asleep right away. I waited a few seconds and I was almost gonna say, "Uhm, hey, I am still awake," but I gradually drifted off. It wasn't like, "Count back from 10 and ... BOOM, you're out" for me. It was more gradual in my experience. I do remember bits and pieces from the surgery (which surprised the nurse when I went back for the follow-up). I do remember one of the teeth being pulled out. If I moaned, I think they gave me more drugs. I don't remember the gauze being put in my mouth. The whole thing felt like only 10 minutes had passed, but it was really 50 minutes. I really think my anesthesia was closely monitored and that led me to a quicker recovery. My bill did say I had "general anesthesia," but if that was the case, I wanted to be TOTALLY OUT. LOL. Still, it wasn't a bad experience at all, and I was relaxed and best of all, felt no pain.

Good luck & keep us posted!