Sedation for pediatric dental patients.

There are few areas of dental therapeutics as controversial as the pharmacologic management of fearful and uncooperative pediatric dental patients. A pediatric dentist is faced with one of the most difficult tasks in our profession: maximizing comfort and cooperation while minimizing risks and costs of dental care for the unmanageable child. Pharmacosedation provides the means for children to avoid psychologically traumatic experiences that might inhibit regular oral health care when they become adults. By controlling disruptive behaviors, the pediatric dentist is able to provide quality dental care in an environment that is pleasant for the child, the parent, and the practitioner.