Presentations 2020: Ortho&Paeds

422 - Inhalation Sedation for the under 7-year-olds: adequate adjunct or ambitious attempt?

A Fennell-Wells M Collard
Presented by: Amarantha Fennell-Wells
Cardiff Dental Hospital

Introduction: While numerous sedation techniques are available, guidance on the efficacy and appropriateness of such techniques is not always sufficient for the younger patient. The aim of this audit was to ascertain the success of inhalation sedation (IS) as an adjunct to dental treatment, delivered to children under 7 years old who had been referred to the Paediatric Department at the University Dental Hospital (UDH) in Cardiff. Referring children for dental treatment under general anaesthesia is not without risk, and inhalation sedation has been identified as an appropriate adjunct for improving experiences of prolonged or unpleasant treatment, such as extractions. Methods: A retrospective audit was conducted. NHS Referral Criteria recommends children aged 5 and over, with an adequate degree of comprehension and understanding of treatment, are eligible for treatment under IS. During 2019, over 50 children between the ages of 4 and 7 had one or more IS appointments arranged at UDH. Data was collected regarding all aspects of the patient’s response to inhalation sedation. Results: Completed treatment plans were analysed. The outcome was judged to be successful when all the planned treatment was completed under IS, which was the case for over two-thirds of patients. Of the remaining patients, some tolerated treatment without inhalation sedation, and fewer than 30% of patients required general anaesthesia. Conclusion: Inhalation sedation can be successfully provided to children under 7 years old. This audit shows that a significant proportion avoided a general anaesthetic for treatment, and had a positive outcome with the use of inhalation sedation. Successful treatment outcomes under IS reduce the number of children requiring general anaesthesia, making it a successful adjunct rather than an ambitious attempt. Positive dental experiences for children shape their future relationship with the profession, and lead to a population engaged in oral health and wellbeing.
Consent Statement: There are no details on individual patients reported within the abstract.

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