When Sedation Goes Wrong: Understanding Common Adverse Effects in Pediatric Dentistry

Common Dental Adverse Effects During Sedation

Airway can be obstructed by aspiration of foreign bodies while treating patients under sedation (Walker, 2013), this can happen due to reduction in gag reflex and lack of throat packing, as found in general anesthesia. (Girdler, 2017). However, proper utilization of rubber dam and high-volume suction during dental treatment can provide a physical barrier which can prevent the risk of aspiration.(Girdler, 2017).

Neurological damage post sedation is a serious side effect which can lead to permanent brain damage, this incident is related to respiratory depression during sedation and lack of oxygen which leads to death of the brain cells, this is avoided by proper monitoring, dosage and control of level of sedation.(Davydow et al., 2009);(Girdler, 2017).

Expertise in conscious sedation medications and the ability to manage adverse events of over sedation is critical for sound and efficient outpatient procedural sedation.

Adequate dispensing of conscious sedation drugs can allow painful and anxiety provoking treatment endurable, increase child acceptability to dental treatment and allow modification of the behavior for future dental visits.

References

• Davydow, D.S., Gifford, J.M., Desai, S.V., Bienvenu, O.J. and Needham, D.M., 2009. Depression in general intensive care unit survivors: a systematic review. Intensive care medicine, 35(5), pp.796-809.

• Stamp, A.J., Dorman, M.L., Vernazza, C.R., Deeming, G., Reid, C., Wilson, K.E. and Girdler, N.M., 2017. Can intravenous conscious sedation with midazolam be effective at facilitating surgical dentistry in adolescent orthodontic patients? A service evaluation. British dental journal, 222(2), pp.113-119.

• Walker, R.W., 2013. Pulmonary aspiration in pediatric anesthetic practice in the UK: a prospective survey of specialist pediatric centers over a one‐year period. Pediatric Anesthesia, 23(8), pp.702-711.