Comparison of dexmedetomidine and midazolam for conscious sedation in dental surgery monitored by bispectral index

Although various sedative drugs in different regimens and given by different delivery routes have been used for conscious sedation, the ideal agent and regimen remain to be established. This study was designed to compare the efficacy (sedation, anxiolysis, analgesia, operating conditions, and patients’ satisfaction) and safety of midazolam and dexmedetomidine as sedatives for dental procedures in a randomised, double-blind study in third molar and dental implant surgery. Sixty healthy patients who were American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) group I or II were enrolled and we recorded their personal details, the amount of drug used, their degree of satisfaction, duration of operation, and haemodynamic and respiratory variables. The two groups were comparable. The amount of local anaesthetic (p = 0.11) and the duration of operation did not differ significantly (p = 0.32). The patients in the dexmedetomidine group had a slower heart rate, lower systolic and diastolic pressure, and cooperated better. There were no significant differences in their respiratory rates, bispectral index, and total volume of drugs used. We conclude that dexmedetomidine works as well as midazolam for outpatient dental procedures and can be used as an alternative to midazolam.