Sedation or General Anaesthetic for Special Care Patients?

Abstract

When faced with an anxious patient with complex needs who requires dental care, it can be difficult to decide on the most appropriate method to manage their pain and anxiety. There are a range of conscious sedation techniques that may be used, and on some occasions, general anaesthesia may be required. This paper describes the methods available and the factors influencing the decision-making process. The general dental practitioner (GDP) may not be able to offer care in their setting, but knowing more about the decision-making process and the information required to make that decision can help them guide patients and their families.

Modern sedative agents and techniques used in dentistry for patients with special needs: A review

“… 7 Additionally, depending on the patient and treatment needs, several routes of administration for dental sedation may be used: inhalation, intravenous, oral, intranasal and intramuscular. 8 A survey of dentists in the United States and Canada has revealed that 75.7% regularly use conscious sedation in practice; half reported using sedation as many as six times per month, and the other half reported using sedation more than six times per month. 9…”