Information for Parents about Sedation Appointments
Some children, because of fear or uncooperative behaviour, are only able to receive their dental treatment while they are sedated. We use a variety of different types of sedation including inhalation of nitrous oxide and oxygen (laughing gas), oral sedation, and intramuscular (IM) sedation.
Our intent is to provide care that is safe and pleasant for each and every child. Not all children require sedation for dental treatment. However, children who have had an unpleasant experience with medical or dental care are often much more anxious if they require dental treatment. They may not understand how or be unwilling to cope in a cooperative fashion for the delivery of dental care. Sedation medications can be provided which will reduce a child’s anxiety and eliminate pain during treatment. Our aim is to produce cooperative and appreciative patients who look forward to their dental appointments not dentally fearful ones who avoid dental offices until they experience severe pain or infection.
You will be given verbal and written instructions by one of our staff about the treatment your child requires including detailed information about sedation recommendations. We will answer any and all questions you may have. If not, please call us.
Our office is fully equipped and staffed to provide procedural sedation according to the latest guidelines for pediatric sedation published by the Canadian and American Academies of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Academy of Pediatrics. Our staff are fully trained in sedation procedures and, in the event of a rare emergency, management of pediatric sedation emergencies. All staff are certified in basic life support (BLS) and Dr. Farquhar is certified in advanced life support (PALS) in addition to BLS.
Dr. Farquhar has received education and training in procedural sedation and advanced life support techniques from the University of Rochester and Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, NY, and Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton, Ohio. He is certified by the College of Dental Surgeons of British Columbia to provide inhalational, oral, IM and IV sedation.