A comparative assessment of intranasal and oral dexmedetomidine for procedural sedation in pediatric dental patients

Abstract

Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of intranasal and oral dexmedetomidine for procedural sedation in pediatric dental patients.

Materials and methods: Forty-four uncooperative American Society of Anesthesiologists Grade-I children, requiring dental treatment were randomly divided into four groups who received different doses of dexmedetomidine through intranasal and oral routes. The vital signs were monitored continuously during each visit.

Results: In this study, significant (P < 0.05) differences were found in the onset of sedation, duration, and recovery time between intranasal and oral groups. All vital signs were within normal physiological limits with no significant adverse effects in either of the groups.

Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine is a safe and effective agent for procedural sedation in pediatric dental patients with intranasal route having distinct advantages over oral route.

Keywords: Dexmedetomidine; intranasal; oral; procedural sedation.