Mothers' perceptions about pediatric dental sedation as an alternative to dental general anesthesia

Abstract

ObjectiveModerate sedation has limits in managing children's behavior. Existing literature lacks insight into parental perceptions about the topic. This study aimed to understand mothers' perceptions concerning sedation after their children undergone dental treatment under sedation. MethodsTwelve mothers and one godmother of 1.3-8.4 year-old children with definitely negative behavior in the dental chair, who had dental treatment under oral sedation, were in depth interviewed according to a semi-structured guide. Responses were analysed using a thematic content method and deductive approach. Two general themes were addressed: "good facet" and "poor facet" of pediatric dental sedation. Results Analysis of interview transcripts indicated that participants perceived pediatric dental sedation according to two main analytical categories: the "good facet" and the "poor facet". The good facet included advantages of the procedure (e.g. safety, effective behavior management), rapport and completion of the treatment that was initially planned. The poor facet related to limitations of moderate sedation (when child kept struggling) and their own anxiety during the procedure. ConclusionDespite their own stress, mothers were satisfied with this pharmacological method of behavior management.

Parents’ satisfaction with paediatric dental treatment under sedation: A cross‐sectional study

“…Thus, even if the dentist judges that the results of paediatric dental care under sedation are satisfactory, the opinion of parents is essential. Despite this, few studies consider the perceptions of parents/guardians and children in the evaluation of sedation 6,9‐14 …”

“…In investigations of this type, the main objective is to show behaviour management techniques, such as sedation, general anaesthesia, and protective stabilisation, and determine that which is the most accepted by the participants. In a small number of investigations, parental satisfaction was evaluated after the parents accompanied the sedation of their children 10,12 . In these studies, the participants were very satisfied when the post‐anaesthetic recovery time was short 12 and effective behaviour management was achieved 10 …”

“…In a small number of investigations, parental satisfaction was evaluated after the parents accompanied the sedation of their children 10,12 . In these studies, the participants were very satisfied when the post‐anaesthetic recovery time was short 12 and effective behaviour management was achieved 10 …”

Intranasal sedation using ketamine and midazolam for pediatric dental treatment (NASO): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

“…Therefore, we are investigating the perceptions of the child on the dental sedation session 1 week later as well as the views from the parent who stayed with the child during the procedure and the pediatric dentist who conducted the procedure (quantitative approach). In a qualitative approach, we have already identified that mothers from children sedated for dental treatment self-report stress related to the procedure but are satisfied with this pharmacological method of behavior management [ 32 ]. Nevertheless, we have not found a RCT on pediatric dental sedation that examines the children’s view of the procedure.…”

Hypnosis in the control of pain and anxiety in Pediatric Dentistry: a literature review

“…Although pharmacological sedation is also a widely used alternative in the management of child behavior, the existent literature needs studies about the parents perceptions concerning the theme. The authors of a qualitative study concluded that although sedation is widely accepted by parents / guardians, there is still the uncertainty of being home alone with the child after discharge without the dentist and/or physician and monitoring equipment [11].…”