Sedation in dentistry. Part 1: assessment of patients.

This is the first in a series of articles on the uses of sedation in general dental practice. This paper reviews current recommendations for the practice of sedation, and the importance of patient assessment as a part of treatment. The dental and psychosocial indications, as well as medical contraindications, for sedation are discussed. Future articles will expand on other areas where sedation may be a useful tool in the general dental practitioner's armamentarium. It is hoped that these articles will encourage all practitioners to consider a wider use of sedative techniques in dentistry.