American Dental Association Policy Statement:
The Use of Conscious Sedation, Deep Sedation and General Anesthesia in Dentistry
(1985:577; 1994:74, 1996:327, 1998:436, 1999:326, 935: 2005:000)
American Dental Association
Introduction
Dentists have had both a historic and specific continuing interest and expertise in providing anesthetic, sedative and other anxiety and pain control procedures
for their patients. The effective control of anxiety and pain has been an integral part of dental practice since the early development of the profession. Use of
a wide variety of anxiety and pain control techniques has enabled the profession to extend oral health care to millions of individuals who would otherwise remain
untreated. Without effective anxiety and pain control, numerous dental procedures are virtually impossible and many patients do not seek needed dental treatment.
In addition, both anxiety and pain control techniques are often essential for the management of special patients, young children and the mentally and physically
challenged. The use of anxiolytic sedative and anesthetic techniques by appropriately trained dentists in the dental office and other settings continues to have
a remarkable record of safety.
Anxiety and pain can be modified by both psychological and pharmacological techniques. In some instances, psychological approaches are sufficient. However, in many
instances, pharmacological approaches are required.
Local anesthetics are used to control regional pain. Sedative drugs and techniques may control fear and anxiety, but do not by themselves fully control pain and,
thus, are commonly used in conjunction with local anesthetics. General anesthesia provides complete relief from both anxiety and pain.
This policy statement addresses the use of conscious sedation, deep sedation and general anesthesia, as defined in the Association's Guidelines for Teaching the
Comprehensive Control of Anxiety and Pain in Dentistry. These terms refer to the effects upon the central nervous system and should not be confused with any route
of drug administration.
The use of conscious sedation, deep sedation and general anesthesia in dentistry is safe and effective when properly administered by trained individuals. The American
Dental Association strongly supports the right of appropriately trained dentists to use these modalities for the management of dental patients and is committed to
ensuring their safe and effective use.
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