[Clinical evaluation of oral midazolam sedation for dental treatment in children].

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To assess the safety, effectiveness and acceptability of oral midazolam sedation for dental treatment in children. METHODS: Twenty-three health children aged 4 to 14 (ASA I), who were classified as 4 or 5 by modified Venham's clinic anxiety and cooperative behavior rating scale, referred for dental treatment were included in the study. Each child was treated under sedation with oral midazolam (0.15-0.70 mg/kg), and totally 45 sedations were conducted. At each visit, heart rate, arterial oxygen saturation, respiration rate, sedation and behavioral scores were recorded. The level of acceptance and satisfaction of the patients and their guardians were recorded after the treatment. RESULTS: Among the 23 children, 19 were boys and 4 were girls with mean age of 6.2 years old. In all the 45 treatments, the heart rate, respiratory rate and arterial oxygen saturation levels were within acceptable clinical limits. Forty planned treatments were completed satisfactorily. Oral sedation was ineffective in 3 children, and they were treated under general anesthesia. Only 2 guardians refused to have oral midazolam sedation again. Six of seven children who had regular dental check-up could be treated under normal condition. CONCLUSION: Oral midazolam (0.15-0.70 mg/kg) could be a safe and acceptable approach of sedation for pediatric dental patients.