Managing the behavior of a patient with autism by sedation via submucosal route during dental treatment

ABSTRACT

In sedation via the submucosal route, the drug is administered through the maxillary buccal submucosa. It is time saving, effective, and safe. Patients with autism, a mental disorder, often find it hard to make relationships with other people. These patients display a strong resistance to dental treatment and sedation. This study reports a successful case of behavioral management during dental treatment, using sedation via the submucosal route. The patient was strongly resistant to sedation via the oral, intramuscular, and intravenous routes. The drug used was 9 mg (0.1 mg/kg) of midazolam. Through this case report, we reaffirm the significance of sedation via the submucosal route, and expect that it will be used more frequently for patients with autism, who display behaviors that are difficult to manage, patients with other disabilities, and children.