Abstract

Children's fear and anxiety about dental treatment can lead to difficulties in the behavior management by the practitioner, which can be a barrier to successful dental treatment. Non cooperative children may need dental treatment under sedation, which is indicated when the non-pharmacological behavioral guidance is unsuccessful. There are randomized controlled trials comparing different sedative protocols for dental procedures; however, evidence of superiority from one form over another is weak. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the sedative effect of midazolam subcutaneously, with and without ketamine, on dental procedures performed in non-cooperative pediatric patients. A randomized, crossover clinical trial with single blinding was performed in 13 children (10 males and 3 females) from 19 to 48 months of age, ASA I and Frankl I behavior. The two methods were applied in the same patient, and the order of the same was assigned randomly, for the two treatment appointments. In each session were evaluated the patient's general behavior, body movements and crying through the modified Houpt scale. In addition, heart rate and oxygen saturation were monitored by means of a pulse oximeter.

Keywords: Pediatric dental sedation; Subcutaneous route; Midazolam; Ketamine; Anxiety; Patient cooperation