Post-Operative Sedation Instructions to Parent

Post-Operative Sedation Instructions to Parent

If your child has been sedated for dental treatment today. You must watch him/her closely for the next few hours.

Your child may experience any of the following:

• Alert one minute, then drowsy or sleepy. Sleepiness may last 4-8 hours.
• Dizziness and/ or lack of coordination.
• Occasional irritability throughout the day, mood swings.
• Poor appetite for a few hours.
• Nausea/vomiting.
• Sleep problems including: nightmares, inability to sleep at bedtime, fear of sleeping and / or hallucinations.

Traveling Home:

• Your child should be placed in an appropriate seat belt or car seat in the back seat.
• A responsible family member should sit beside the child.
• If your child sleeps in the car, keep their head from falling forward on their chest.

Rest and Activity:

• Allow your child to rest but wake them up every half hour and offer them a cup of clear liquid to drink (such as water, apple juice or gatorade).
• Be sure that someone is with himlher at all times.
• Avoid all physical activities such as swimming, bicycle riding, gymnastics, climbing or descending stairs for 24 hours.

Drinking and Eating:

• Do not feed your child until helshe is wide awake.
• Give clear liquids and soft foods today.
• If your child vomits, stop feeding for 30- 60 minutes then gradually resume clear liquids in sips.
• Watch for lip/ cheek/tongue biting.
  If your child has difficulty breathing or is exceptionally drowsy today call our office at (904)-215-4221.