Pharmacologic behavior management for pediatric dental treatment.

Sedatives are an important and necessary management technique for some children during dental procedures. Sedation can be administered safely and efficiently by competent practitioners who have special training in the use of the technique in children and who adhere to sedation guidelines. Nonetheless, some children present with special needs, such as medically compromising conditions, or multiple carious teeth in a child who is fearful or whose family must travel a long distance for care. Sedation cannot always safely and adequately meet the needs of these children. In these cases, general anesthesia in a hospital, ambulatory care facility, or office is indicated and must be provided by an appropriately licensed and trained physician or dentist.