Pediatric Dental Sedation
One of children’s greatest fears has long been the dentist. But maybe it’s the parents who should be afraid - Harry Bradford
image by: Pediatric Dental Center
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Should Kids Be Sedated for Dental Work?
In dental offices nationwide, children who need cavities filled or teeth pulled are sometimes sedated. Ideally, it makes them less anxious and more cooperative.
They may swallow a liquid sedative or inhale laughing gas and once it kicks in, they will be conscious but calmer, so the dentist can do extensive work.
But in rare cases, children fall into a much deeper level of sedation than intended. If they aren’t rescued quickly, they may stop breathing or even die. It is critical for the dental staff to keep track of the patient’s vital signs and quickly recognize an obstructed airway or a problem with the heart or breathing.
In recent years, a few reports of sedated…
Resources
Children at Risk? Kids and Sedation at the Dentist’s Office
After a string of recent deaths, NBC News’ Kate Snow explores the risks associated with sedation in dental offices. A growing chorus of advocates including pediatricians and lawmakers are calling for change.
Pediatric dental anesthesia: The Dental Board gets it wrong
I’m not a pediatric anesthesiologist. Most of us in anesthesiology – even those who take care of children in the operating room or the ICU every day – probably will never give anesthesia to a child in a dentist’s or oral surgeon’s office. So why should we care what happens there? Dental anesthesia permits and regulations, after all, are under the authority of state dental boards, not medical boards.
Pediatric Sedation Outside the Operating Room
This conference is intended for physicians, dentists, registered nurses, CRNAs, nurse practitioners, advanced practice nurses, pharmacists, and health care administrators.
9 questions to ask your dentist before your kids go under sedation
Given the risks associated with sedation, "the dentist should have a frank discussion with the parents on the risks and benefits of anesthesia for treating the underlying disease," said Dr. Jim Nickman, president of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. "We advise members to use extreme caution when they're looking at sedating a child less than 3. For those under the age of 2, I would recommend anesthesia be done in a hospital setting."
Dental Sedation Responsible For At Least 31 Child Deaths Over 15 Years
One of children’s greatest fears has long been the dentist. But maybe it’s the parents who should be afraid.
Oral Sedation in Pediatric Dentistry: The Growing Wave of Chemical Restraint
Depending on the personality of the child, oral sedative medications and nitrous oxide can be used successfully and safely during dental procedures. Psychosomatic behaviour problems and/or an inflexible temperament trait often contribute to sedation failure in children undergoing dental treatment. Therefore, appropriate patient evaluation and selection contribute to sedation success in children.
Pediatric oral sedation: Accomplish more with fewer visits and less stress
Pediatric oral sedation has become an amazing game changer for dental practices that treat children.
Should Kids Be Sedated for Dental Work?
In dental offices nationwide, children who need cavities filled or teeth pulled are sometimes sedated. Ideally, it makes them less anxious and more cooperative. They may swallow a liquid sedative or inhale laughing gas and once it kicks in, they will be conscious but calmer, so the dentist can do extensive work. But in rare cases, children fall into a much deeper level of sedation than intended.
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