What are Dr. Lacombe’s qualifications for providing sleep dentistry?

Dr. Lacombe graduated from Dentistry school at the University of Montreal in 1983. In 2003 Dr. Lacombe completed his Masters Degree in Dental Anaesthesia at the University of Toronto. He is qualified to administer sedation and anaesthesia to adults and children for dental treatment. Dr. Lacombe currently teaches at The University of Western Ontario. He also is a guest lecturer at Laval University for teaching advance sedation for post-graduate students. Dr. Lacombe also provides seminars on the use of nitrous oxide for the general practionner.

What types of sedation are administered to patients?

1. Local anaesthesia is the elimination of sensation, especially pain in one part of the body by topical application or regional injection of medication.

2. Minimal sedation (anxiolysis) is a minimally depressed level of consciousness, retaining the patient’s ability to independently and continuously maintain an airway and respond appropriately to physical or verbal command and is produced by a pharmacological or non-pharmacological method or combination thereof. While cognitive function and coordination may be impaired, ventilatory and cardiovascular functions are unaffected.

3. Deep sedation is a drug-induced depression of consciousness during which patients cannot be easily aroused but respond purposefully following repeated or painful stimulation. The ability to maintain ventilatory function may be impaired. Patients may require assistance in maintaining a patent airway, and spontaneous ventilation may be inadequate. Cardiovascular function is usually maintained.

4. General anaesthesia is a drug-induced loss of consciousness during which patients are not arousable, even by painful stimulation. The ability to independently maintain ventilatory function is often impaired. Patients often require assistance in maintaining a patent airway, and positive pressure ventilation may be required. Cardiovascular function may be impaired.

How is a patient evaluated prior to a sleep dentistry procedure?

Every patient will have a preliminary consultation prior to any treatment with sedation or anaesthesia.

During the consultation a thorough evaluation will be performed and pre- and post-treatment instructions will be provided in writing to the patient, and in the case of children, to the guardian. The patient or guardian also provides written consent. This allows Dr. Lacombe and his team to answer any questions, prepare for specific needs or recommendations and review the patient’s medical history.