Moderate Sedation and Emergency Medicine for Periodontists

This book is intended for periodontal residents and practicing periodontists who wish to incorporate the principles of moderate sedation into daily practice. A history of the development of sedation in dental practice sets the stage for understanding the need for a comprehensive preanesthetic evaluation to identify potentially reactive patients prior to treatment. Useful drugs for moderate sedation and reversal agents in the office setting are reviewed to ensure proper perioperative usage. Comprehensive airway management and rescue skills are then documented in detail so that the patient may be properly managed in the event that the sedation progresses beyond the intended level. A key aim is to equip the reader with sufficient knowledge and preparedness to overcome the patient management challenges associated with common and uncommon deviations from intraoperative norms. Finally, for those academicians interested in teaching the principles of sedation to periodontal residents, a curriculum development tool is provided to ensure comprehensive training leading to competency.


Joseph A. Giovannitti, DMD, is Professor and Chair of the Department of Dental Anesthesiology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine and Anesthesia Director of the school's Center for Patients with Special Needs.  Dr. Giovannitti received his DMD from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine in 1977 and went on to gain his Certificate in Dental Anesthesiology there in 1979. He joined University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine in 2003, having previously been Adjunct Associate Professor at Baylor College of Dentistry in Dallas. Dr. Giovannitti has been actively involved in teaching at all levels of dental education, has authored numerous scientific articles and book chapters on pain and anxiety control in dentistry, and has lectured nationally and internationally. He is a founding member and past president of the American Society of Dentist Anesthesiologists and a past president of the American Dental Board of Anesthesiology. He has received many awards during his career, including the Leonard M. Monheim Distinguished Service Award from the American Society of Dentist Anesthesiologists and the Jay A. Heidbrink Award from the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology.