The use of hypnosis in a sedation clinic for dental extractions in children: report of 20 cases.

We report on the use of informal hypnotic imagery in a group of children who were unable to accept dental extractions under inhalation sedation and local anesthesia. Over the last two and a half years, one hundred and seventy-nine children have been seen in a sedation clinic at Newcastle Dental Hospital. In thirty-four cases it was necessary to stop treatment and from this group, twenty children were selected for the use of hypnotic imagery. Treatment was successfully completed in sixteen children and all parents who completed a written questionnaire (twelve) reported they were happy with their child's treatment. Our preliminary findings show hypnotic imagery can be used successfully as an adjunct to inhalation sedation and conventional management skills for dental extractions in children.