314 - Association Between Availability of Weighted Blankets and Frequency of Medical Stabilization Practices During Pediatric Moderate Sedation: A Retrospective Study

Purpose: This retrospective cross-sectional study examined the implementation of weighted blankets (WB) with self-holding straps as a behavior management approach during in-office dental moderate sedation.

Methods: A retrospective chart review evaluated pediatric patient sedation records during a time period after 6-lb lead-free WB were introduced into the dental clinic and compared clinical outcomes to a time period before WB were available. Multivariable logistic regression analyses assessed variables that were associated with the occurrence of protective stabilization use during a sedation visit.

Results: Protective stabilization (PS) usage decreased from 78.7% before to 32.8% after availability of weighted blankets during sedation visits (Chi-square, P<0.0001). Increase in age (Adjusted odds ratio [OR]=0.69, 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.53-0.90, P=0.0059) and weighted blanket use reduced PS management (Adjusted OR=0.067, CI=0.020-0.22, P<0.0001). BMI, gender, treatment amount, and sedation regimen did not predict the occurrence of PS. Number of completed teeth treated was not found to be statistically different between cases managed with PS versus without restraint. Children managed with PS, but not weighted blankets, had statistically higher heart rate changes (20.26±23.17) during treatment than children managed without restraint (8.12±15.15).

Conclusions: Clinical practice sedation protocols should consider behavior management with weighted blankets and avoid overutilization of protective stabilization.