SEDATION FOR CHILDREN
INSTRUCTIONS FOR PARENTS
The sedative drug in conjunction with nitrous oxide and oxygen analgesia will allow the child to experience a more pleasant visit to our office and will allow us to perform necessary dental procedures.
Please follow these helpful instructions:
- MORNINGAPPOINTMENTS: Children requiring IV(Intravenous)/ IM(Intramuscular) sedation should be appointed in the morning whenever possible after they have had restful sleep.
- ARRMLAT OUR OFFICE: Your child should be encouraged to go to the bathroom at home or at the office before the actual dental treatment.
- NO EATING OR DRINKING BEFOREAPPOINTMENT: To help absorption of the drug and minimize nausea and vomiting, YOUR CHILD SHOULD NOT HAVE AIIYTHING TO EAT FOR SIX HOURS BEFORE ADMINISTMTION
OF THE SEDATIVE DRUG. Drinking, is also forbidden for four hours prior, except for a few sips of water. - COMFORTABLE CLOTHING: Since every young child may be placed in a wrap to help them stay very still during treatment, they should be dressed in comfortable clothes (such as play clothes, etc.)
- FAVORITE TOY OR BLANKET: It is often relaxing for a child to bring a favorite book, toy, or a blanket to use while the medication is taking effect.
- OTHER CHILDRENANDAPPOINTMENTS: Since your presence will be needed during the one hour prior to treatment while the medication is taking effect, the company of other siblings and the scheduling of other appointments is not advisable. Once treatment begins, you can expect your child to be with us for 60-90 minutes. WE REQUEST THAT YOU REMAIN IN THE RECEPTION AREA DURING THE TREATMENT TIME AND NOT LEAVE THE
BUILDING. - SUPERVISIONAFTER SEDATION: Since your child may be drowsy for 2-4 hours after the appointment, supervision by an a(ult must be arranged. Your child should be encouraged to drink liquids and to continue resting. Since the lips and tongue mat continue to be numb, your child SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO CHEW OR BITE for at least 1-2 hours after returning home, or until the numbness wears off.
- REACTIONS OF CHILD: The sedative drug administrated enables your child to become more receptive to positive and rewarding communication. Therefore, praise and good feelings are encouraged after the sedation, Your child may experience diiziness, agitation, or sleepineis for several hours following the visit. Often children are unsteady on their t’eetfor awhile afterwards, so please do not allow your child to walk or stand up without your help and please use seat belts during transport.
- PAIN CONTROL: If there is any discomfort, it will occur after the numbness wears off. You can give acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) or children’sIbuprofen (such as Motrin) if there is discomfort. Please follow the recommended dosage and directions on the label.
- SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: PLEASE CALL IF YOU ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS: 201-475-1600
