140 - Efficacy and Safety of Intranasal Dexmedetomidine for Pediatric Sedation Dentistry

Abstract:

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of intranasal
dexmedetomidine with other sedation modalities in moderate sedation for pediatric dental
treatment.

Methods: This prospective randomized blinded study recruited 57 children, 3-6 years old, who
received dental treatment with moderate sedation. Three drug modalities were utilized: 1) oral
midazolam with nitrous oxide sedation (MID), 2) intranasal dexmedetomidine with nitrous
oxide sedation (DEX), and 3) oral midazolam and oral hydroxyzine with nitrous oxide sedation
(MIDHYD). Demographics, data, vital signs, and adverse events were recorded. A standardized
scale, modified from the University of Michigan Sedation Scale and the American Academy of
Pediatric Dentistry sedation scale, were used to evaluate the effectiveness based on sedation
level and behavior respectively. Descriptive statistics were generated.

Results: The average age for the study was 4.7 years of age with 58% male and 42% female
recruited. The sedation level for the DEX group was comparable with the other sedation
modalities. Treatment was completed and scored effective in 60% for patients given MID, 45%
for patients given MIDHYD, and 76% for patients given DEX. There were no major adverse
events for any of the three groups. Final data pending.

Conclusions: Intranasal dexmedetomidine is a medication for pediatric sedation for dentistry
that shows comparable effectiveness to other commonly used sedation modalities for pediatric
dentistry.

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