Pre-Operative Instructions for Conscious Sedation (Children)

We recommend Conscious Sedation for children with special needs, very young children, or younger patients who are apprehensive. This treatment option keeps your little one calm and comfortable throughout their appointment. They may become drowsy, and even fall asleep, but they will not become unconscious so they can be easily woken up.

There are a wide range of medications for conscious sedation. However, we will prescribe the medication which best fits your child’s overall health and dental treatment. If you have any questions about specific medications we use, please don’t hesitate to contact our dental office.

Prior to Your Child’s Appointment

• Inform us of any changes in your child’s current health and medical history. Contact us right away if your child has a fever, ear infection, or cold because we’ll need to reschedule the appointment.
• Let us know if your child is on any medication or has any reactions to certain drugs.
• Make sure that your son or daughter is wearing comfortable, loose fitting clothes.
• For the safety of their own life, your child should not have solid food at least 6 hours before their sedation visit. Additionally, they should only have clear liquids at 4 hours leading up to their appointment.
• We require that you remain in the dental office the entire time of your child’s treatment.
• We recommend watching your child and holding them close to you as the medication begins to take effect. Holding them in your lap provides comfort and it keeps them from “running around,” which is a risk while on sedation medication.
• Your child may become slightly excited at first and then act drowsy.

After the Sedation Appointment

• You should monitor your child very closely because they will be drowsy. Keep them away from areas and activities that could be potentially harmful.
• If your child wants to fall asleep, which is likely, make sure to place them on their side with their chin up. It’s important to wake them up about every hour to have them drink water. This prevents dehydration and keeps them from experiencing nausea.
• Give your child clear liquids to sip, and their first meal should be easy to digest as well as light.
• If your child does end up vomiting, support them as they bend over and turn their head to the side to help them avoid inhaling the vomit.
• We use local anesthetic to numb your child’s mouth during various procedures, which is why they may have a tendency to chew or bite the inside of their cheeks, tongue, and lips. They ay also want to scratch their face, however you should watch them closely to prevent injury.

Don’t hesitate to call our dental office right away if you have any questions or concerns.