Infusion pumps have been used since the late 1960s, and most Americans associate the medical device with hospitalizations, but infusion systems are also used in other healthcare applications. Oral surgeons and dentists may use a syringe infusion pump during certain procedures that require sedation. While sedatives can be administered in other ways, such as by inhalation or oral distribution, intravenous sedation does have some distinct advantages.

        Patients benefit from a faster onset of action when sedatives are given via a syringe pump rather than by other means. This relieves patient anxiety faster and allows the dental specialist or surgeon to do their job in a more efficient manner. This is also important in emergencies where other management methods are not possible or riskier.

        Medical professionals are also able to be more precise in the amount of sedation and the general duration of action when sedatives are administered by the intravenous route. Every patient has a different sensitivity to a given sedative, which means that it is basically impossible to choose a uniform level of sedative that works for every patient. Drugs given intravenously are easier to modify as needed.

        That said, syringe pumps aren't foolproof. Errors can occur with traditional syringe pumps, especially when sedatives or opioids are used. This is why smart pumps are often used to reduce risk. Smart syringe pumps enable effective patient sedation while improving patient safety through safeguards such as a comprehensive drug library that limits doses and provides clinicians with vital information, and alert systems. These prevent clinicians from making mistakes and even alert staff of any malfunctions in the device itself. Combined with proper training, these features reduce the potential for medical error and ensure that patients get only the sedatives they need.

        In addition to these smart pumps, dental professionals can also employ patient-controlled infusions, allowing patients to control their own level of sedation. Countless hospitals and other healthcare facilities use this technology to ensure continued recovery. While this may not be the right choice for every dental situation, it is becoming more common. These patient-controlled smart pumps dispense only small amounts of a given sedative or medication, so patients don't abuse the substance or unintentionally put themselves at risk.

        In the digital age, improving compliance and patient safety is key for healthcare professionals of all types. Smart syringe pumps could allow oral surgeons, dentists and others in related fields to relieve patient stress at a faster rate. But most importantly, the technology could allow medical professionals to do their jobs more efficiently, accurately and safely.