OVERVIEW

CPDS would like for parents to know that in-office Intravenous Sedation (IV Sedation) with an anesthesiologist is a rapidly growing practice and has been endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Other than general anesthesia in a hospital setting, IV Sedation is the most reliable way of assuring that your child will be comfortable and safe during the procedure. IV Sedation differs from general in that your child will not have to be placed on a breathing machine, but rather breath on their own. Medications are titrated so that although comfortable your child can still respond to aggressive tactile stimulation and maintain normal bodily reflexes. Here are just some of the benefits to parents:

  • Convenient & Standardized Locations
  • Less Cost and Hassle than Hospital Setting
  • Complete treatment plans in ONE visit
  • Less parental time away from work
  • Happier children with better outlook about dental care

FORMS TO FILL OUT BEFORE CHILD’S PROCEDURE

ON THE DAY OF YOUR CHILD’S PROCEDURE

  1. Bring a list of your child’s medications, any allergies and any health problems
  2. Remove metal from your child
  3. Bring your child’s favorite blanket or special stuffed animal that may put your child at ease
  4. Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment
  5. If your child takes medication, be sure to check with CPDS to see if you should give it to them
  6. Pay attention and STRICTLY ENFORCE the guidelines given regarding when your child should stop eating or drinking. If not strictly enforced you could be putting your child in danger.
  7. Plan your day as if you were having a procedure at a hospital. This means you should plan to be at our facility on time anywhere from 1-3 hours. DO NOT plan any other commitments around this time.

THE PROCEDURE PROCESS

  1. You will meet your child’s anesthesiologist who will explain the process, answer questions and then ask for you to sign a consent.
  2. You and your child will be taken to the procedure room where the child will be distracted while a medication (orally or injected) is administered to provide twilight anesthesia.
  3. All standard monitors will be applied to monitor your child’s circulation, oxygenation, and ventilation. Your child will then be secured on a procedure board for fall prevention and safety.
  4. Before this medication has worn off you will be asked to leave
  5. An intravenous catheter will be placed to administer continuous anesthesia medications for the duration of the procedure.
  6. At the conclusion of the procedure the anesthesiologist will make sure your child’s vital signs and airway status is acceptable before transporting them to recovery.
  7. A qualified nurse will recover your child in a separate designated area until discharge. The nurse will go over discharge instructions and home care.

AFTER THE PROCEDURE

  1. All children react different to their procedure and anesthesia. It is not uncommon for your child to be sleepy, dizzy, and/or slightly irritable. Nausea and vomiting is rare.
  2. The effects of anesthesia can last up to 4 hours
  3. You should expect a follow up call from the center to check on your child’s progress before the day has ended. If however, your child experiences anything that you think is unusual we welcome you to call the center for directives or if severe seek immediate medical attention