M.G. asks from Dallas, TX on January 13, 2010
Versed & Fentanyl for Gum Implant (Alloderm)
I'm about to have some gum implants, alloderm, put since otherwise I might end up loosing my teeth and bone density. I will have an IV with Versed and Fentanyl. Even thought they are the most common drugs for it, they really scare me since I heard some horror stories. Has any one have any experience with them positive and/or negative? Any info on Alloderm (it's basically transplant from a cadaver)? Any idea where to find more info on the web, besides google?
Any information will be more than welcome.
TIA
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More Answers
A.G. answers from Dallas on January 14, 2010
I had fentanyl when I gave birth to my son...it was wonderful in controlling pain. And I had versed with another inpatient surgery- that stuff is miraculous. It helps you completely, completely relax and I didn't have any complications with either medication. I think the horror stories you hear are the few people who have complications... these medications are used hundreds of thousands of times on people every day all over the world... and you dont' hear about all the people who only were helped by these medications ( by decreasing their pain and anxiety).
J.S. answers from Dallas on January 14, 2010
I have had 22 surgeries. A majority of them were done with versed
And fentanyl. I have never had a problem with them. You may feel
A bit spacey for the rest of the day. I am often myself the day after.
In fact I now request it even though they are becoming standard.
Their effects wear off quicker than other things. I have never heard of
Alloderm so I can't help you on that. I wish you luck and speedy healing.
G.W. answers from Dallas on January 13, 2010
Hi M G,
My experience with Versed and Fentanyl was with my three year old son (he's 4 1/2 now) who spent nearly four months in the hospital in late 2008 with an infection that nearly took his life. In the month he spent in ICU on a ventilator, his sedative and pain med was IV versed and fentanyl. Both performed exactly as they should for him...the only negative (and it wasn't the drugs' fault, it couldn't be avoided) was that my son was addicted and had to go through detox with methadone for over 2 months. His ICU attending said it takes about five days for the body to become dependent so as long as yours is short term, you shouldn't have to worry about the dependence issue. She explained to me that the patients on Versed usually feel like there has been a "loss of time" but generally do well. Best wishes on your procedure, hope all goes well.
K.M. answers from Dallas on January 14, 2010
I had it when I had some dental surgery. It is the best since it doesn't put you totally out-more like twilight. You really feel good while you are on it and it makes you very relaxed which is good.
B.T. answers from Dallas on January 14, 2010
I had that done about 10 years ago, by Dr. Benge Daniel on Hulen in FW, and never had a complication, nothing went wrong, and I have flossed faithfully ever since, not wanting to have to repeat the process. When he agreed to take me as a patient, he required my agreement to have my teeth cleaned 4 times a year for the rest of my life. I readily agreed, and we split the number (4) between my primary dentist and my periodontist, every three months, alternating. The hygienists always exclaim how good my gums look, what good color they have, and that there is no bleeding. I am happy with what the surgery accomplished (he used the Alloderm), and I am intent on maintaining the good condition of my teeth, gums, and mouth from here on out with regular brushing and daily flossing, whether I feel like it or not!
N.S. answers from Abilene on January 14, 2010
I've had Versed and Fentanyl many times for various surgeries and colon scopes. I've never had any problems with it. There are "horror" stories about everything. I figure the anesthesiologist knows what he is doing and just go for it. Little bit of apprehension, which is normal, and then they give me Versed, the amnesia drug, and everything is cool. You wake up and it's done. I don't really know too much about alloderm, but I was under the understanding that it was donor tissue, not cadaver. I know that it is cultivated and basically has nothing in but tissue that can bond to yours. My mom had a pelvic lift and they used fascia, which was donor tissue, to bond to her pelvic bone and provide foundation for her bladder. No problems with that bonding. I don't know if this helped at all but good luck.
M.A. answers from Lubbock on January 14, 2010
Hi there!
I apologize for not having any advice on the two meds that are in question, but from reading the other responses they seem to be safe. I would like to hear your experience and results though as I am looking into Alloderm myself. Best wishes!
M.T. answers from Dallas on January 14, 2010
Hi,
I've worked at a clinic since 2001 that on average sees about 100 patients per week. With a few exceptions, all of our patients recieve both Versed and Fentanyl. Our patients LOVE these drugs. I can't really think of any negative reactions that have occurred. In the rare instance where there was a reaction, a bit of Narcan did the trick to reverse the meds. But again, I can only vaguely think of a couple of instances were this must have happened. One side effect of Versed is that is can have a bit of an amnesia quailty, where things are a bit of a blur shortly after receiving the medication.
Hope this helps!
M.
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