Int J Paediatr Dent. 2021 Jun 8. doi: 10.1111/ipd.12848. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Most of children suffer from dental anxiety during dental treatment. Conscious sedation is used to alleviate anxiety and enhance child’s cooperation.
AIM: This study aimed to compare the efficacy of intranasal versus sublingual dexmedetomidine.
DESIGN: Forty-two healthy, uncooperative children participated in the study. They were divided randomly into two groups, group I received intranasal dexmedetomidine in the first visit and group II received sublingual dexmedetomidine, while at the second visit, the alternate route was implemented in a cross-over design. Child’s acceptance to drug administration method was assessed using four-point rating scale. Time until optimum sedation was measured. Anxiety during local anesthesia administration was scored using Venham’s rating scale. Post-operative response was recorded through Vernon et al questionnaire.
RESULTS: Sublingual route was better accepted than intranasal route, while the latter acted faster. Within groups’ comparison, no statistically significant difference in anxiety scores was found between base line and local anesthesia administration. Similarly, no significant difference in the anxiety scores was found between both groups or between genders during local anesthesia administration.
CONCLUSIONS: Both routes prevented the increase in anxiety scores equally during local anesthesia and do not have negative effect on postoperative behavior of children.
PMID:34101918 | DOI:10.1111/ipd.12848
