Once it is determined that a child is a candidate for sedation in our office, we will schedule the appointment. For the child’s safety, we will coordinate with the child’s pediatrician to rule out any underlying medical conditions or issues that are not optimal for a sedation procedure and verify that the child is not suffering from a cold or the flu. Remember, safety is our number one goal and we want to ensure that the child is healthy enough to undergo sedation at our office. 

Once the parents and child arrive at our office and check in, they will be brought to the pre-op area and one of our anesthesiologists will review with the parents all the steps involved in the sedation appointment, including the technique and sedatives that may be used. We will also gladly answer any questions. The dentist will also review the child’s treatment plan in the pre-op room. 

The anesthesiologist will conduct a physical and airway exam to again rule out any potential medical concerns. After reviewing and signing the consents, we will administer a combination of oral medications. After a few minutes the child will start to become sedated and then our team will take them back to the procedure room. 

Parents are not allowed in the procedure room for the child’s safety and because of the presence of controlled medications. During the procedure, there will be a board-certified pediatric dentist, a board-certified anesthesiologist, and 2 dental assistants present at all times. All of the team members at the office are trained in PALS (pediatric advanced life support) so parents can rest assured that their child is in capable hands.
Once in the procedure room, the child will be connected to a vital signs monitor which allows us to measure their heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and respiratory rate. We also use a device called a pre-cordial stethoscope which allows us to hear the child breathe throughout the case. We will then place the child on a combination of oxygen and nitrous oxide (laughing gas) using a nasal hood over their nose. If the child is calm enough to allow the procedure to be completed, then that’s all they will receive. However, if this is still not sufficient, then an intramuscular injection, what we call a “sticker”, will be administered with a sedative. At this point, an IV catheter will be placed to administer fluids to hydrate the child and any other sedatives may be given through here. We use numbing wipes so that the child does not feel the pinches. 

As soon as the dental treatment is completed, the child will be transferred to the recovery area where the parents can join their child and stay with them until they are awake. We will be monitoring the child’s vital signs in the recovery area. Once discharge criteria are met and the child is awake and alert, we will help transport the child to their vehicle if needed. Remember to monitor the child for the remainder of the day. They will be numb from the local anesthetic administered by the pediatric dentist and the numbing sensation may last up to 6 hours after completion of the procedure. If not careful, they may actually bite and injure their tongue, lips, or cheeks. The child may also feel a little groggy and tired throughout the day due to the effects of the sedatives. This is a normal side-effect from the procedure. Please give the child plenty of fluids and soft foods throughout the day. They may return to school and their normal routine the following day. Our primary focus is to ensure that both the child and parents has a safe and comfortable experience with us. Do not hesitate to reach out to us with any questions or concerns that you may have. We look forward to seeing you soon!