Journal of Dental Anesthesia and Pain Medicine

The Korean Dental Society of Anesthsiology (대한치과마취과학회)
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Minimal sedation using oral sedatives for multi-visit dental treatment in an adult patient with dental phobia

  • Song, Seung-Rye (Department of Advanced General Dentistry, Dankook University College of Dentistry) ;
  • You, Tae Min (Department of Advanced General Dentistry, Dankook University College of Dentistry)
  • Received : 2021.06.13
  • Accepted : 2021.07.13
  • Published : 2021.08.01
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Abstract

In adult patients with dental phobia, dental treatment may be difficult, or may not be possible. Depending on the level of fear or anxiety, non-pharmacological or pharmacological behavior management techniques are used in the dental treatment of such patients. Among the pharmacological behavior management techniques, minimal sedation, that is, the lowest depth of sedation, can be easily obtained in adult patients using oral sedatives, does not require special equipment or tools, and does not affect ventilatory and cardiovascular function. Diazepam is an anxiolytic drug belonging to the benzodiazepine family that, in addition to relieving anxiety, produces muscle relaxation, and is a representative drug used in adult patients with fear of dental treatment. Herein, we report the case of a 50-year-old woman with severe dental fear who successfully underwent long-term dental treatment in approximately 20 visits with minimal sedation using oral diazepam. In addition, we reviewed the considerations for the use of benzodiazepines for minimal sedation.

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References

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