Conscious sedation in pediatric dental care: indications, efficacy, and safety

Abstract

This article aimed to analyze the available evidence regarding conscious sedation in pediatric dental care, with an emphasis on its indications, efficacy in managing anxiety and behavior, and safety. It is a descriptive literature review, with searches conducted in the PubMed, SciELO, and BVS databases using the descriptors "Pediatric Dentistry," "Procedural Sedation," and "Anxiety," limited to the last five years. Out of 202 identified articles, 13 were selected. Sedation was primarily indicated for ASA I and II children exhibiting anxiety or negative behavior during short procedures. Nitrous oxide combined with oxygen demonstrated good efficacy, though the response was less pronounced in young children and those with intellectual disabilities. Among oral techniques, results were more variable: the combination of midazolam and meperidine showed greater success, whereas hydroxyzine performed poorly in children under 6 years of age. Few adverse events were reported; however, most of the studies were retrospective. It is concluded that conscious sedation is a useful strategy when appropriately indicated and performed with proper monitoring and professional training; further clinical trials are needed to standardize outcomes.