IV sedation is currently considered standard care for reducing and managing anxiety, fear, and pain of going to the dentist.

The safety and goals of IV sedation in dentistry are set out by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) and the American Association of Pediatrics (AAP)

First and foremost, to guard the patient’s safety and welfare. Minimize physical pain and discomfort, control anxiety, and reduce psychological trauma.

Frontiers published a review on procedural sedation in pediatric dentistry:

Over the last three decades, sedation has become a commonly used alternative to general anesthesia. However, it is worth noting that almost 80% of sedation-related emergencies initially present as respiratory compromise. As the level of sedation deepens, the airway protective reflex decreases, and the likelihood of airway obstruction or foreign body aspiration increases. Therefore, appropriate respiratory monitoring and airway management are essential during sedation procedures.

Various organizations, including the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), have published guidelines aimed at reducing the risks associated with sedation in children and ensuring safe patient monitoring.

These guidelines are mostly consistent and follow the principles set out by the ASA. All guidelines for respiratory function monitoring recommend the following:

1. Continuous monitoring of oxygenation through pulse oximetry is necessary.

2. Ventilation should Be monitored periodically during moderate sedation and continuously during deep sedation and general anesthesia.

Monitoring equipment typically includes cardiac, blood pressure, pulse oximetry, and respiratory monitorsPediatric dental providers should exercise caution in case selection and customize the route, medication, and dosage based on the patient and procedure.

Patient safety should be the top priority, and providers should adhere to established best practices for sedation. The key to safe sedation lies in the early detection and management of potential adverse events.

Check back with us next week for more about the current standards on IV sedation for dentistry. Until then, contact Blue Sky Anesthesia Associates for more information.  We are proud to bring safe sedation to your dentist office.