LEVELS OF SEDATION IN PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY: HUMANIZING TREATMENTS WITH NITROUS OXIDE AND OXYGEN
PALOMA PEREZ PRIETO
- Dentist (DMD). University of Medicine and Dentistry of Valencia Spain. 1993.
- Pediatric Dentist: specialized in babies, children, adolescents and special needs patients. Boston University and Francisca ́s Children ́ s hospital. BU. Ma. USA. 1995.
- PHD Dentistry . University of Medicine and Dentistry of Valencia Spain. 2011. – Teacher for both Pediatric Dentistry and Special Needs patients at the University Of Medicine and Dentistry of Valencia 1996- 2001 University Cardenal Herrera CEU , Moncada Valencia 2003- 2009 and The European University of Valencia (2009- 2013).
- Currently teacher at the Catholic University of Valencia, Spain. Master of Pediatric Dentistry in the areas of behavior management, sedation, and special needs patients, esthetics and dental trauma.
- Author of several chapters in Pediatric dentistry books about Sedation and behaviour management in Pediatric Dentistry.
- International Speaker on Areas of Sedation, Special Needs Patients and Esthetics in Pediatric dentistry and Early Orthodontic Treatments for children, adolescents and the patient with Special Needs.
- INVISALIGN international speaker. – National Director in Spain for the Special Smiles, Special Olympics program since 2000 for persons with intellectual disabilities.
- Private Practice in Pediatric dentistry.
ABSTRACT
Many children can be treated in the dental office with basic behavior management techniques. However other many will need advanced behavior management techniques and not all pediatric dentists perform these, because of lack of training and or equipment.
There is a need for all pediatric dentists to stop using the term “conscious sedation” and instead defining exactly the level of sedation pursued which will be minimal, moderate or deep level of sedation or general anesthesia. The sedation of these children needs to be done following protocols that establish a safety path for both the child and the practitioner.
Working with drugs with a wide safety margin, only maximum dosages recommended and monitoring are of the essence. Among all, sedation with nitrous oxide and oxygen proves to be safe and the best for a safe and positive sedation in the dental office.
We will review current guidelines, techniques of administration, discharge of patients and tips for success that can help both the patient and the practitioner for successful outcomes.
