Oral Conscious Sedation

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SOME CHILDREN need to be sedated to allow for successful dental care.  This is a decision to be made with full agreement and acceptance between parent(s) or guardian(s) and Dr. Sakhi.  Once all have agreed on care involving sedation, it is vitally important that a number of instructions be followed - without exception - so that potential risks to the child are decreased.  But first, what does oral sedation involve?

SEDATIVE MEDICATION is administered in a liquid or pill form to your child upon his or her arrival to the clinic.  The parent or guardian and child will be directed to wait in the pre-sedation area for approximately one hour to allow the medication to take effect.  During this time your child may gradually lose coordination, become drowsy or even fall asleep.  This is all very normal and safe.  The adult accompanying your child will be asked to supervise the child’s activity.  The doctor and/or assistants will periodically monitor and assess the medication’s effect.

In some instances, the medication may not sufficiently sedate your child.  Such cases require further discussion between parent or guardian and Dr. Sakhi to ensure that optimal care for your child is agreed upon. 

When the medication has taken effect your child will be brought to the treatment room.  In order to safeguard control during the treatment process, the parent or guardian will be asked to wait in our reception area during treatment. 

During treatment and while sedated, your child typically lies down on an open papoose (sometimes called a stabilizing board - please refer to the papoose consent for further details) to prevent injury that might result from reflexive or unwanted movements.  To further prevent injury, a mouth prop is used to discourage your child from biting down during treatment.

Prior To Your Child's Sedation

  • Please notify our office of any change in your child’s health and/or medical condition. Fever, ear infection, nasal or chest congestion, or recent head trauma could place your child at increased risk for complications. Should your child become ill just prior to a sedation appointment, contact our office to see if it is necessary to postpone the sedation.

  • Tell us about any prescribed, over-the-counter, or herbal medications your child is taking. Check with us to see if routine medications should be taken the day of the sedation. Also, report any allergies or reactions to medications that your child has experienced.

  • Food and liquids must be restricted in the hours prior to sedation. Fasting decreases the risk of vomiting and aspirating stomach contents into the lungs, a potentially life-threatening problem. We will not proceed with the sedation if you do not comply with the following requirements: 


Eating and drinking schedule:

Type of Food/Liquid                                            Minimum Fasting Period

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Few sips of clear liquids (water, fruit juices               2 hours before sedation

without pulp such as apple juice)

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Breast Milk                                                                 4 hours before sedation

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Formula, non-human milk                                         6 hours before sedation

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Regular meal                                                             8 hours before sedation

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Due to time sensitivity of the sedatives given please arrive on time.

Clothing:

  • Please dress your child in light weight clothing and short sleeves. Do NOT dress your child in tights, as a sensor will be placed on his/her big toe.

Before Sedation:

  • A parent or legal guardian must accompany your child to the appointment.

  • Please have your child use the restroom before sedation.

During sedation:

  • A parent or guardian must stay in the office for the full duration of treatment and recovery.

After Sedation:

  • A recovery period of up to one hour will follow treatment. We will carefully monitor your child during this time.

  • We recommend a second responsible adult to help with the discharge to best facilitate a safe trip home. This is important because your child may still be sleepy and possibly disoriented. A second adult can observe your child during transportation. As always, your child should be carefully secured in a car seat or seat belt.

  • If your child naps (following recovery), he or she should be able to be awakened easily. Your child may be unsteady while walking and will therefore need support to protect him/her from injury. Supervise all activity for the remainder of the day.

 

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, please do not hesitate to call the practice.  We want to assure your confidence and comfort as we seek the best possible outcome for your child.