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. 2025 May;17(Suppl 1):S442-S444.
doi: 10.4103/jpbs.jpbs_1450_24. Epub 2025 Feb 25.

Safety and Efficacy of Different Sedation Protocols in Managing Dental Anxiety in Adult Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

G L Georgeno  1 , Madhuri Shinde  2 , Praveen Kumar Varma Datla  3 , Shanthi Malleedi  4 , Abhishek Jahagirdar  5 , Sai Prannoy Nagella  6 , Rahul Maria  7 , Shanaya Singh  8
Affiliations

Safety and Efficacy of Different Sedation Protocols in Managing Dental Anxiety in Adult Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

G L Georgeno et al. J Pharm Bioallied Sci. 2025 May.

Abstract

Introduction: Dental anxiety is a significant barrier to effective dental treatment, often resulting in delayed care. Various sedation protocols are utilized to manage this anxiety, but comparative data on their safety and efficacy are limited.

Methods: This randomized controlled trial compared the safety and efficacy of oral midazolam, nitrous oxide, and intravenous (IV) sedation in managing dental anxiety in adult patients. Key parameters included anxiety reduction using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), time to onset of sedation, patient satisfaction, and adverse effects.

Results: Patients receiving IV sedation showed the fastest onset and highest anxiety reduction, but oral midazolam exhibited fewer side effects. Patient satisfaction was highest with IV sedation.

Conclusion: IV sedation was found to be the most effective in reducing anxiety, while oral midazolam offered better safety. Future studies should further explore patient-specific protocols.

Keywords: Dental anxiety; IV sedation; midazolam; nitrous oxide; patient satisfaction.

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Conflict of interest statement

There are no conflicts of interest.

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