Many parents don’t realize or are unaware of the risks involved in when a single model sedation, such as, when a pediatric dentist, administers IV sedation while also performing the dental procedure. Even though the parent may have signed a consent form explaining the dangers, the information isn’t always absorbed.
Dr. Jim Nickman, president of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry warns parents, “the dentist should have a frank discussion with the parents on the risks and benefits of anesthesia for treating the underlying disease.”
In light of all the heated conversations about the dangers of IV sedation for pediatric dentist procedures, it is important for parents and caregivers to ask questions and understand the facts.
“Children have small airways and they choke more easily than adults,” Dr. Karen Sibert, an associate clinical professor of anesthesiology at the University of California, Los Angeles, told the Today Show.
“It doesn’t take much to obstruct a small child’s airway. Their vocal cords can close. They can choke on a little bit of blood.”
The Today Show consulted with the leading experts in the field and suggest asking these questions:
1. What procedure are you going to do and do you have to do it?
2. How much training have you had?
3. Are you going to sedate my child? If so, what medicines are you going to use?
4. Will there be a separate provider for general anesthesia in the room? “I would insist on a separate qualified anesthesia professional looking after my child,” Sibert advised.
5. How much experience does this person have caring for kids my child’s age?
6. How will my child be monitored during the procedure? Be sure there will be vigilant monitoring. Ask if the office has EKG, blood pressure, pulse oximetry and end tidal carbon dioxide monitors.
If you want answers to these questions or have questions of your own, contact Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, Dwayne Thibeault. With over 20 years experience, our goal to create a personalized and individual sedation plan.
Dwayne Thibeault is an active member of the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA), the Florida Association of Nurse Anesthetists (FANA) and the New Hampshire Association of Nurse Anesthetists (NHANA).
