Preparing for Your Child’s Sedation Visit

If your child is undergoing sedation for his or her dental procedure, it was recommend for your child’s own safety and comfort. We will discuss the entire sedation process with you prior to your child’s appointment. Be sure to be a positive role model for your child. Your anxiety level will greatly influence your child’s behavior.

Prior to your child’s sedation appointment, please do the following:

• Notify our office of any change in your child’s health or medical condition. Should your child become ill with fever, an ear infection, cold or experience any trauma beforehand, please contact our office to see if we should postpone the sedation appointment.
• Tell us about any medication (prescribed, over-the-counter, or herbal) your child is taking and check with us to be sure routine medications should be taken the day of the sedation appointment. Also, please report any allergies or reactions to medications that your child has previously experienced.
• Restrict foods and liquids for several hours before the sedation appointment. Fasting decreases the risk of vomiting and aspirating stomach contents into the lungs. You must comply with the requirements or we will not be able to proceed with sedation.
  • Clear liquids – fast 2 hours prior to appointment
  • Breast Milk – fast 4 hours prior to appointment
  • Formula, Non-Human Milk & Light Meal (toast and clear liquid) – fast 6 hours prior to appointment
  • Fried or fatty foods or meat – fast 8 hours prior to appointment
• Make sure to dress your child in loose, comfortable clothing so we can properly place monitors to evaluate your child’s response to medications and ensure your child’s safety.
• We encourage you to have another adult with you for the drive home to monitor your child’s breathing in the back seat.