Two oral sedation regimens in pediatric dentistry: a randomized controlled trial

Objectives: Dental procedures are always associated with some degree of anxiety, and children are usually more prone to it. General anesthesia may have to be used in more complex procedures, but many dental procedures can successfully be undertaken with therapeutic sedation. The aim of this trial was to evaluate the effectiveness of oral sedation using dexmedetomidine in comparison with ketamine in the management of uncooperative pediatric patients during dental treatment. Methodology: A randomized clinical trial was carried out on 40 ASA physical status-I children aged 2-6 y to investigate the effect of using dexmedetomidine and ketamine with atropine for sedation. The children were equally and randomly divided into two groups: Group K: received oral ketamine 5 mg/kg with atropine 0.01 mg/kg, and Group D: received oral dexmedetomidine 3 mu g/kg. Recovery time, vital signs, and side effects were all recorded. Behavior rating was also assessed using the Ohio State University Behavioral Rating Scale (OSUBRS). Results: The children in Group D were more sedated than in Group K, but the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.22). The median recovery time was significantly shorter in Group D than in Group K (p = 0.003). No adverse effects, episodes of respiratory or cardiovascular instability were noted in either groups. Conclusions: Oral dexmedetomidine is equally effective to oral ketamine for sedation in children undergoing outpatient dental procedures, but has relatively a shorter recovery time.