IV Sedation

If your child feels anxious or afraid at the dentist, Dr. Courtney Uselton and associates can provide him or her with IV sedation. We may also recommend IV sedation for children who are otherwise unable to receive treatment. We invite you to call our office at 412-257-1150 to schedule your child’s consultation with our experienced pediatric dentists, and to learn more about IV sedation in Pittsburgh and McMurray, Pennsylvania.

IV (intravenous) sedation is a form of conscious sedation that works by providing medication directly into the bloodstream to help your child relax and feel more comfortable while visiting our office. Before we provide your child with this treatment, we will review their medical history, dental needs, and other relevant factors with you to determine if it really is the best choice. We will carefully monitor your child throughout the entire appointment to ensure that there are no complications and that he or she remains comfortable and safe.

Instructions for In-house IV sedation:

Dear Parent,

Your child is scheduled to have their dental work completed under IV sedation at our Waterdam office. This should be treated the same as a surgical appointment.
Waterdam office:

  • Address: 4000 Waterdam Plaza, Suite 140, McMurray, PA 15317
  • Please park on the lower level

Your child will be placed under IV sedation to have all of their dental work completed at one time. He/She will be able to breathe on their own, but they will not be awake or have any memory of the procedure. We bring an outside dental anesthesiologist into our office to perform this procedure. Please check with their office regarding all financial concerns. You will be billed separately for anesthesia services. They can be reached at the number that was given to you with your original paperwork or you can call our office for that information.

The anesthesiologist will call you at the phone number you gave to the office. They will call the night before to give you eating and drinking instructions for your child. Please be prepared to receive this phone call. If you are unable to take the phone call, please make sure your voicemail is functioning so that appropriate instructions can be given.

EATING AND DRINKING INSTRUCTIONS MUST BE FOLLOWED. IF NOT FOLLOWED, YOUR CHILD WILL NOT BE SEEN FOR SAFETY REASONS.

General guidelines for the day of surgery:

  • NOTHING TO EAT OR DRINK from midnight the day of the procedure. The anesthesiologist will give you specific instructions for your child.
  • A parent or legal guardian must be present for the appointment. You are not permitted to leave the office while your child is in surgery.
  • Your child should NOT go to school the day of surgery.
  • Siblings are NOT welcome at this appointment. Please plan for child care.
  • An adult must be present all day with the patient to monitor them, so please plan accordingly.
  • Once your procedure is completed, please plan to go home. Do not plan any additional errands.

Pediatric Dentistry South will call you two days prior to your appointment to confirm the surgery. THIS APPOINTMENT MUST BE CONFIRMED OR IT WILL BE CANCELLED BY OUR OFFICE. Surgery times are scheduled according to age and/or medical needs.
How to prepare for your appointment:

  • Please dress your child in comfortable clothing for their surgery. Pajamas are welcome.
  • Please bring a blanket to the appointment; we keep our surgical area at a cool temperature.
  • Patients are welcome to bring a stuffed animal or comfort toy for the procedure.
  • Please bring a back up change of clothes.

What to expect the day of surgery:

  • The treating dentist will speak with you prior to surgery to discuss any questions regarding dental treatment.
  • The anesthesiologist will speak with you regarding their procedure. Your child’s weight will be taken at this time. Your child will be given a shot of Ketamine in their arm prior to the procedure. You will be present with your child at this time. Please be prepared, the medication makes most children appear catatonic. At this point, the anesthesiologist will take your child back to the surgery area.
  • Parents/guardians are not welcome into our operatories; this is a surgical procedure.
  • After treatment has been completed, you will be able to sit with your child while they recover from anesthesia. This can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. Every child is different. When children awaken from anesthesia they can be disoriented, agitated, euphoric or a whole range of emotions.
  • We do not allow cell phone use in our office. Please do not take pictures or videos of your child while in our office.

Please be prepared to be with your child for the entire day. Everyone recovers from surgery differently and your child will require direct supervision.
If you have any questions regarding your child’s procedure, please do not hesitate to contact our office.

Sincerely,
The doctors and staff at Pediatric Dentistry South
412-257-1150


For more information about IV sedation and to make your child’s appointment with our pediatric specialists, please contact our office.

IV Sedation Form