Many parents have children who dislike going to the dentist just as much, if not more, than they do.  As you probably know children fear uncertain circumstances more than the average adult and the dentist's office is no exception.  Just as with adults, children fear the pain, anxiety and discomfort that accompanies a visit to see the dentist.  Some children fear the experience so much that they will not cooperate during the visit and their dental health concerns cannot be addressed.  Other children are unable to understand instructions given or cannot sit still for the period of time needed for more time consuming, technical, or difficult dental work.

Is sedation dentistry safe for children?
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Dental Association, the American Medical Association, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, when a child needs extensive dental treatment, general anesthesia is an accepted standard of care. Of course levels and potency of the sedation will vary depending on the age and health of the child receiving the treatment.

Do dentists need special training to administer sedation to children?
Pediatric dentist must study two to three years after dental school in specialty child dentistry education.  This special education includes training in the safe administration of sedation to children.  In addition to receiving educational training real life training and practice takes place in a hospital environment before a pediatric dentist is allowed to administer sedation in his own office.  The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry encourages all dentists to follow the Guidelines for the Elective Use of Conscious Sedation, Deep Sedation and General Anesthesia in Pediatric Dental Patients.  These guidelines recommend such procedures as patient evaluation, informed consent, monitoring, and back-up emergency services.

As with any profession, pediatric dentists take part in periodic continuing education courses offered by The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, along with a number of dental universities, which keeps those working in the dental profession well informed of developments in safe sedation techniques.

Have there been any cases where sedation dentistry has harmed a child?
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, pediatric dentists have an extensive safety record in sedation procedures. To date the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry is "not aware of a single case of morbidity or mortality in a pediatric dental office when the AAPD Guidelines have been followed conscientiously."

Is sedation the only option to calm my child at the dentist's office?
Sedation is one valuable option that you have as a parent to make your child's experience with the dentist more bearable.  Within the realm of sedation dentistry are several different types of sedation that can range from completely knocking your child out for hours to calming them with sedation enough to remain awake but no longer anxious about the experience.  Obviously the necessity for more or less dramatic sedation techniques will vary by situation.  A good rule of thumb is that the more extensive and painful a procedure is the more effective the sedative should be. 

Are there sedation options for a person of any age with a disability?
Sedation dentistry is an option available to all people who would not otherwise seek treatment for a serious dental concern.  Of course as individual cases differ, so too will sedation methods.  But the disabled, those who cannot control themselves, or those who cannot communicate effectively, do have options available to them.  Your dentist will be best suited to discuss your options and to give recommendations to you.