Opioid and Multi-Drug Pediatric Dental Sedation: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Pharmacological behavior guidance has long been a mainstay of pediatric dental care. Behavioral limitations of very young children and dental fear in adolescents and children with special health care needs have made sedation and general anesthesia important to quality care delivery for these populations. The purposes of this review are to provide a broad perspective on the historical and contemporary use of sedation in pediatric dentistry, summarize available data on the safety and efficacy of opioid and multi-drug moderate sedation protocols, and consider the growing role of minimal intervention dentistry and the importance of patient and medication selection.