It is a type of sedation in which the consciousness of the individual is depressed minimally , but the patient’s ability to breath and respond to physical and verbal command is maintain
Conscious sedation in dentistry is mainly used in children who do not co operate at all during dental procedures.
Objectives of giving conscious sedation
- Patient should be conscious and respond to verbal command.
- All vital signs like heart rate, heart beat , breathing etc. Should be stable and normal.
- It creates amnesia i.e. the patient does not have any memory of the dental experience or dental treatment done.
- It increases the pain threshold of child.
Conscious sedation is indicated for –
- Patients who do not co- operate during dental procedures.
- Patients who are very anxious and fearful about dental procedures.
- Mentally challenged individuals who require a lot of dental treatment but do not co- operate.
Conscious sedation is not indicated for –
- Patients having breathing disorders , pregnant ladies , epileptic patients , patients with bleeding disorders.
- If the patient is not accompanied by family members / friends.
- Patients who are allergic to sedation drugs.
- Patients who have lack of ability to respond and understand properly.
Route of administration of conscious sedation
- Inhalation
- Orally
- Intramuscular
- Intravenous
Advantages of conscious over general anaesthesia
Conscious sedation general anesthesia
| Multiple procedures can be done in several visitsPatient is co operativePrior to procedure medication is not required.Airway is maintained. | Generally it should be done in single sitting Patient is UN co oversimplification is required Ventilation is required |
Precautios to be taken
- Just before the procedure food should not be given. The procedure is preferred in the morning so that the child can have his dinner early at night and then go to sleep.
- In the morning clear fluids can be given 2 hours before procedure . do not give anything to eat before procedure or else the child will regurgitate the food.
- Child should not have any cold cough or difficulty in breathing or any other breathing problem.
- Doctor should be well aware of the age and weight of the child.
- Heart rate, blood pressure , respiratory rate should be checked.