Safety of Dental Anesthesia and Sedation for Kids

What are the risks of sedation for kids in dentistry?

Our office follows guidelines endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and American Academy of Pediatrics for sedation of children and/or general anesthesia.  We always discuss the risks and benefits of anesthesia and sedatives with parents and guardians prior to treatment, and alternative options such as delaying treatment.

Common risks of sedation and dentistry are discomfort, pain, swelling, infection, nausea/vomiting, sore throat, disorientation/agitation, sleepiness, dehydration, fever.  In rare occasions children can have allergic reactions to the medications that are used.  The medications also can decrease heart rate, and breathing so in extremely rare occasions brain damage and/or death can occur.  Dentists have been concerned with the safety and efficacy of sedatives, and statistics show that dental anesthesia is very safe.  Given the risks we take sedation and anesthesia very seriously, and provide recommendations based on individual children’s needs.  Our office utilizes providers with the appropriate level of training to minimize the risk involved with these procedures.  Patient safety is our number one goal.

Should a dentist sedate my child?

We have safely provided moderate sedation to children in Muscatine for two years.  We have successfully completed dental care on many children who may not have otherwise been able to cope with dental treatment.  Dr. Jarod holds a moderate sedation permit, and provides sedatives in office for those children who are candidates.  While our office is happy to provide this option for for children we understand that it is not safe for every child.  We currently use anesthesia services at Trinity Unity Point in Muscatine, IA for children who require general anesthesia and a higher level of care.

Sedation in our office:

At Arctic Dental we are happy to offer a variety of sedation services for children.  Sedation and anesthesia has allowed hundreds of kids to have dental treatment at our office.  Without the use of  these services may not have been able to be performed.  We do our best to ensure patient safety.  Our office is aware to the American Dental Association, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines.

Dr. Jarod completed residency training at The University of School of Dental Medicine at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV).  During his time at UNLV Dr. Jarod completed children’s cases under oral sedation and general anesthesia.  Dr. Jarod had experiences in rotations through University Medical Center in Las Vegas, NV.  He participated in rotations in Hematology/Oncology, Pediatrics, Emergency Medicine, and Anesthesia.  The Anesthesia rotation provided Dr. Jarod education in patient selection, airway management skills, and sedation while under the supervision of anesthesiologists.  He is currently certified in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Basic Life Support (BLS).