Comparative analysis of the sedative effects of midazolam and dexmedetomidine on adult dental outpatient surgery

Abstract Background: Conscious sedation is an important strategy in the behavioural management of patients. This study investigated the efficacy of intravenous midazolam and nasal dexmedetomidine in outpatient dental procedures. Methods: One hundred and six patients were divided into midazolam and dexmedetomidine groups. In the midazolam group, 0.07 mg/kg of midazolam was infused intravenously before the start of local anaesthesia; in the dexmedetomidine group, dexmedetomidine was administered as 1.5 μg/kg nasal drops 30 min before the start of local anaesthesia. The Modified Version of the Observer's Alertness and Sedation Rating Scale scores, vital signs, and adverse reactions were compared. Results: The dexmedetomidine group showed better sedative effects than those of the midazolam group (P <0.001); comparison of analgesic effects showed that the dexmedetomidine group was better than the midazolam group (P=0.037). The effect of the dexmedetomidine group on blood pressure and heart rate was also greater than that of the midazolam group (P=0.032). There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of oxygen saturation or adverse reactions. Conclusion: Nasal dexmedetomidine is non-invasive and provides better sedation and analgesia than intravenous midazolam.