Patient monitoring in the conscious sedation of children for dental care.

Monitoring physiologic parameters in young patients sedated for dental care using noninvasive electronic monitors is a relatively new phenomenon. Several reasons contribute to the increased use of electronic monitors during these sedations, including rapid advances in technology and concerns for patient safety. This is a review of the most recent studies reporting the use of electronic monitors when sedating pediatric patients for delivery of dental care. The function, advantages, and shortcomings of several electronic monitors in this setting are discussed.