Guideline: SEDATION

Question 1

What is the definition of conscious sedation?

Answer 1

A technique in which the use of a drug or drugs produces a state of depression of the central nervous system enabling treatment to be carried out, but during which verbal contact with the patient is maintained throughout the period of sedation.

The drugs and techniques used to provide conscious sedation for dental treatment should carry a margin of safety wide enough to render loss of consciousness unlikely.

Question 2

What is the guideline for sedation?

Answer 2

SDCEP Conscious Sedation in Dentistry 2022

Question 3

Give indications for conscious sedation?

Answer 3

• dental anxiety and phobia
• a need for prolonged or traumatic dental procedures
• medical conditions potentially aggravated by stress
• special care requirements

Question 4

What parameters do you need to record in sedation assessment?

Answer 4

blood pressure
oxygen saturation
heart rate

Question 5

Is consent for conscious sedation verbal or written?

Answer 5

need to obtain valid written consent.
on day of the procedure, reconfirm it.

Question 6

What are the escort requirements for inhalation sedation with nitrous oxide?

Answer 6

adults do not require an escort but children and young adults under 16 years do

Question 7

What drug is used as the standard intravenous sedation?

Answer 7

Midazolam

Question 8

When could oral or transmucosal sedation with midazolam be used?

Answer 8

when titratable techniques (inhalation and IV) are not deemed suitable e.g. special care patients, extreme needle-phobia

*less controlled though, so less predictable
*still cannulating after

Question 9

What is the preferred technique for conscious sedation in children?

Answer 9

inhalation sedation