extractions and cosmetic procedures often require sedation.
Sedation is endorsed by the American Association of Pediatric Dentistry and is an effective way to make many patients comfortable during their dental visit. Before using a sedative or anesthetic, it is important to tell your dentist about any medications or medical treatments your child is receiving. Before administering any sedative or anesthetic, your dentist will talk to you about the process of sedation and pre and post-sedation instructions.
What is conscious sedation?
Conscious sedation is a way of using medication to relax a child without the loss of consciousness.
Who should be sedated?
Dr. Molloy recommends that those children with severe anxiety and/or the inability to relax are candidates for sedation. Usually these children are young or have trouble managing their anxiety.
Why does Dr. Molloy use conscious sedation?
Conscious sedation aids in calming a child so that he or she can accept dental treatment in a more relaxed state. This can prevent injury to the patient and provide a better environment for delivering quality dental care - it's hard to do dentistry on a moving child!
What medications are used?
Dr. Molloy has many different agents that are used for conscious sedation, from inhalation agents (laughing gas) to medicines that are drank from a cup or possibly an injection. None of these sedatives render the child unconscious. Dr. Molloy will base his recommendations of medications to be used based on the child's age, level of anxiety, amount of dental work that needs to be completed and length of appointment.
"Laughing Gas"
Nitrous oxide, more commonly known as laughing gas, is often used as a conscious sedative during a dental visit. The gas is administered with a mixture of oxygen and has a calming effect that helps phobic or anxious patients relax during their dental treatment. Because it is a mild sedative, patients are still conscious and can talk to their dentist during their visit. After treatment, the nitrous is turned off and oxygen is administered for five to 10 minutes to help flush any remaining gas. The effects wear off almost immediately. Nitrous oxide rarely has side effects, although some patients may experience minor nausea and constipation. Your doctor will provide you with pre and post-sedation instructions.
PRE-SEDATION INSTRUCTIONS FOR DENTAL TREATMENT
It is important for your child's safety that you follow these instructions carefully! Failure to follow these instructions could result in LIFE THREATENING complications!
As defined by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the goals of sedation of the pediatric dental patient are to:
1. Facilitate the provision of quality care;
2. Minimize the extremes of disruptive behavior;
3. Promote a positive psychological response to treatment;
4. Promote patient safety and welfare;
5. Return the patient to a physiologic state in which safe discharge is possible.
Dr. Molloy's goal is to provide quality care as safely and efficiently as possible. For this reason and the equipment required for monitoring, we ask that the parents remain in the reception room during the sedation appointment.
The medication Dr. Molloy will give your child should make him/her feel sleepy within minutes or half an hour depending on the type given. Your child may fall asleep before, during and after the dental treatment, but should be easily awakened. As with any sedative medication, your child may experience an opposite effect and become excited and/or irritable.
PREPARING FOR YOUR CHILDS SEDATION APPOINTMENT
EATING & DRINKING: One of the sedative drugs Dr. Molloy may elect to use may cause your child to feel sick to their stomach. To avoid vomiting and complications during treatment, DO NOT ALLOW YOUR CHILD ANY FOOD OR DRINK (even water) after midnight prior to the scheduled day of treatment. This means NO BREAKFAST! An empty stomach is MANDATORY! Cancellation of your child's appointment because he/she has eaten will result in a $75 broken appointment fee.
CHANGE IN HEALTH: Any change in your child's health, especially the development of a cold or fever within two (2) days prior to the day of treatment, is reason for concern! Please inform Dr. Molloy's office of any change in your child's health as soon as possible. For your child's safety, a new appointment may need to be made for another day.
ARRIVING:Your child's safety and comfort are our main concern! Dr. Molloy recommends that a second responsible adult come with you to the appointment to help you take care of your child while driving home. Please do not bring other children with you, as your child will need your full attention. Please dress your child in loose fitting, comfortable clothing and bring a change of clothes, if possible.
MEDICATION: DO NOT give your child any medication unless cleared by Dr. Molloy first!
TREATMENT: Dr. Molloy will visit with you before your child's treatment. When the dental treatment is completed, Dr. Molloy asks that you join your child in the post-operative recovery room. This soothing room was constructed with a bed and a rocking chair to help alleviate any anxiety while your child is waking up from their sedation. Dr. Molloy will discharge your child into your care, to go home, when he feels it is appropriate. This usually is within 15 minutes of your child's completed treatment.
Because each child's metabolism is different and there is no 100% guarantee with any sedative medication, there is the possibility your child's sedation will need to be aborted before treatment has started or prior to treatment being completed. If this situation occurs, there will be a $75 charge to cover the time of the appointment and costs of the medications given.
If you have any questions or concerns, please call Dr. Molloy's office at (405) 692.1222.
Due to the large block of time that has been reserved especially for your child's sedation appointment, if you fail to show or call to cancel this appointment with less than a 24 hour notice, you will be charged a $75 broken appointment fee!
POST- SEDATION INSTRUCTIONS
It is important for your child's safety that you follow these instructions carefully! Failure to follow these instructions could result in unnecessary complications.
ACTIVITIES Do NOT plan or permit activities for your child after treatment. Allow your child to rest. Closely supervise any activity for the remainder of the day. When sleeping, encourage your child to lie on his/her side or stomach.
GETTING HOME Two responsible adults must accompany your child. One adult should drive your child home and a second responsible adult must be available to take care of your child while driving home. Your child should be closely watched for signs of breathing difficulty and carefully secured in a car seat or seat belt during transportation.
DRINKING or EATING after TREATMENT After treatment, the first drink should be plain water. Clear liquids can be given next followed by fruit juice, sugar-free Kool-Aid, Gatorade, ginger ale, soup broth, etc. Small drinks taken repeatedly are preferable to taking large amounts. Soft, lukewarm, bland food may be taken when desired (mashed potatoes, yogurt, soup, pudding, ice cream, popsicles, etc.).
TEMPERATURE ELEVATION Your child's temperature may be elevated to 101 F (38 C) for the first 24 hours after treatment. Tylenol every 3-4 hours and fluids will help alleviate this condition. Temperature above 101° F (38° C) is cause to notify Dr. Molloy.
EXTRACTIONS If your child had teeth removed, a small amount of bleeding is normal. Do NOT let your child spit, as this will cause more bleeding. In order to not disturb the blood clot, do NOT use a straw to drink for the first 24 hours. Also, remember that a small amount of blood mixed in with a lot of spit in the mouth looks like a lot of blood.
BRUSHING Since your child has had a cleaning and fluoride treatment today, it is not necessary to resume tooth brushing and flossing until tomorrow morning. However, it is VERY IMPORTANT for you to brush and floss your child's teeth beginning tomorrow morning and on a daily basis thereafter, to prevent infection and future dental problems.
SEEK ADVICE If any of the following problems arise, call Dr. Molloy at the office, or if he cannot be reached, call the Emergency Department at your local hospital: If vomiting persists beyond four (4) hours· If the temperature remains elevated beyond 24 hours or goes above 101° F (38° C). If there is any difficulty breathing or coloration of the skin is poor. If any other matter causes you concern.
PLEASE CONTACT DR. MOLLOY AT THE OFFICE (405.692.1222) IF YOU HAVE ANY PROBLEMS RELATED TO YOUR CHILD'S TREATMENT
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