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Updated: May 7, 2026

Guidelines for Elective Pediatric Fiberoptic Intubation
Published on: January 17, 2011
Sedation of the pediatric patient
1University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry in San Francisco, USA. dvdrothman@gmail.com
Abstract:
Children's behavior during dental treatment is often unpredictable. Many techniques for behavior management have been developed and include both pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic methods. Pharmacologic management with sedation has been shown to be an important adjunct in treating the fearful, uncooperative or precommunicative patient. This article reviews the definitions, levels, techniques and pharmacology of typical drugs used for sedation. The protocols for safe management of children before, during and after sedation are also discussed.
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