Clinical outcomes and safety of sedation techniques in pediatric dentistry: A systematic review

INTRODUCTION. Pharmacological sedation can support dental care in anxious or uncooperative children, but protocols and outcome measures vary. PURPOSE. To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of pediatric dental sedation, focusing on drug combinations and routes of administration. MATERIALS AND METHODS. The review followed PRISMA 2020 and was registered in PROSPERO (CRD420261366155). PubMed, the Cochrane Library and ScienceDirect were searched for randomized and cohort studies published from January 2021 to May 2026. JBI tools were used for critical appraisal; findings were synthesized qualitatively. RESULTS. Seven studies were included. Reported success rates ranged from 75% to 95%. Dexmedetomidine-based combinations generally showed favorable outcomes, while nitrous oxide / oxygen supported short procedures in cooperative children. Heterogeneity prevented meta-analysis. CONCLUSION. No single regimen could be considered universally superior. Larger randomized trials with standardized effectiveness and safety outcomes are needed.