Florida Dental Access Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Dental Sedation Outside the Hospital Setting

Taking your child to the dentist can be intimidating and frightful, especially for those with special needs. Pediatric dentists are significantly skilled in caring for children, despite their levels of anxiety or behavioral concerns. They are also trained to manage and treat patients with several conditions including but not limited to intellectual disabilities or sensory issues.  Some of the techniques used by dentists who specialize in children and patients with special needs, include, tell–show–do, distraction,  desensitization, and multiple levels of sedation. The specialists are not only trained to keep patients safe during the procedures but are also able to manage any emergencies that may occur. 

The following are frequently asked questions for parents and caregivers when making a decision on whether to use sedation.  

1. What is sedation?

Sedation dentistry, sometimes known as “sleep dentistry,” helps patients remain still and relaxed during dental procedures. It can be beneficial for people who are nervous, uncooperative, or for those requiring extra care during a dental treatment. When the primary dental provider recommends sedation, the delivery of care is done in an optimal and safe way. 

2. Who can benefit from Sedation Dentistry?

  • Any patients with severe dental anxiety
  • Kids (uncooperative or anxious)
  • Patients with conditions like:
    • Cerebral Palsy
    • Down Syndrome
    • Intellectual Disability
    • Autism Spectrum Disorder

3. What are the most common types of sedation available for special needs patients?

According to the AAPD (American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry), sedation techniques include:

  • Minimal Sedation: Patients are fully awake but able to relax.
    • Nitrous Oxide – a laughing gas mixture delivered by a nosepiece.
    • Oral Sedation – A pill or liquid taken right before the dental appointment.
  • Moderate Sedation: Patients are more relax and many times don’t remember the procedure afterward. 
    • Medicine taken before the dental appointment.
  • Deep Sedation or IV Sedation: Patients are fully asleep and vital signs need to be monitored. It provides faster results. Patients can still be easily awakened.
    • The same medicine used for oral sedation is given to the patient through an IV. The amount of sedative can be monitored by the provider.
  • General anesthesia: The medication will make the patient go to a state of deep sleep and will be completely unconscious until the effect wears off.

4. What are some of the advantages of sedation?

When successful, sedation can help:

  • Reduce anxiety and fear
  • Patients are more relaxed during their dental procedure, allowing for effective and timely treatment
  • Reduce pain during dental treatment
  • Ability to treat patients who otherwise couldn’t be seen by the dentist

5. What are some disadvantages of sedation?

Sedation may not be the right solution for you. Potential disadvantages include:

  • The risk of complications that are present with any type of sedation
  • It is a more expensive treatment option
  • It may require extra accommodations and arrangements

6. What are some of the side effects, risks, and complications associated with Sedation dentistry?

Common side effects of sedation include drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. These side effects typically go away on their own within a few hours, but reactions will be different for everyone. Serious complications are rare but can include allergic reactions, breathing issues, and heart problems. 

7. How can I find a dental practitioner who provides sedation in my region?

There are some practices in Florida that provide sedation dentistry for special needs patients. Though not a complete list, you can begin to explore options at:

8. What questions should I ask while looking for a special needs dentist?

Important questions to ask your dental provider, include:

  • Are you a pediatric dentist?
  • Are you a CLA (Currently- licensed Anesthesia provider). If not, who holds that license?
  • What ages do you serve?
  • Do you perform sedation for those ages?
  • How do you handle sedation for a patient with (your specific disability or special need)?
  • Do you have the proper accommodation and equipment to administer and monitor sedation in your office?

To learn a little more about what to expect during an appointment with sedation, this document from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry offers good guidance.

The toolkit is a project of the The Florida Oral Health Alliance.

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