Intravenous sedation in general dental practice--why oximetry?

Monitoring with pulse oximetry, careful dosage and use of an ultra-slow technique in the administration of this potent drug for dental cases indicates that a continuous oxygen supplement would not appear necessary routinely. The value of a pulse oximeter cannot be over-emphasised. It enables one to observe, from its outset, any progressive oxygen desaturation and therefore early correction can be implemented.