Modern approach to sedation in pediatric dentistry

Abstract:

When working with patients who are children, dental fear and anxiety may represent a serious problem during their treatment. Certain methods, including sedation and behavioral methods, are used to control the child’s behavior. The goals of sedation in children undergoing painful procedures in pediatric dentistry are reducing fear and anxiety, reducing pain and minimizing movement of the child’s body. When minimal or moderate sedation is needed in children and young adults, the application of nitrous oxide with oxygen or midazolam (oral or intranasal) is recommended. Nitrous oxide with oxygen at various concentrations (30% to 50%) provides adequate minimal or moderate sedation in children and is successfully used for sedation and analgesia in painful procedures. Contemporary research supports the use of intranasal midazolam for therapeutic procedures in pediatric dentistry. It represents a quick and painless procedure and reduces anxiety due to treatment. The onset of the sedation process is comparable to intravenous administration of drugs. Usage of MAD equipment for dispensing sedatives allows for sufficient and efficient absorption of the medication through the nasal mucosa and into the blood and central nervous system. Using inexpensive MAD has made this method .popular and widely accepted. 

Key words:
dental anxiety, children; conscious sedation, inhalation, intranasal