Editorial Type: Continuing Education
 | 
Online Publication Date: 01 Jan 2007

Oral Sedation: A Primer on Anxiolysis for the Adult Patient

BScPhm, RPh, PharmD,
BScPhm, DDS, MSc, and
DDS, MSc
Article Category: Research Article
Page Range: 118 – 129
DOI: 10.2344/0003-3006(2007)54[118:OSAPOA]2.0.CO;2
Save
Download PDF

Abstract

The use of sedatives has established efficacy and safety for managing anxiety regarding dental treatment. This article will provide essential information regarding the pharmacology and therapeutic principles that govern the appropriate use of orally administered sedatives to provide mild sedation (anxiolysis). Dosages and protocols are intended for this purpose, not for providing moderate or deeper sedation levels.

Keywords: Sedation; Anxiolysis; Oral sedation; Minimal sedation; Hypnotics; Sedatives
Copyright: © 2007 American Dental Society of Anesthesiology 2007
Figure 1.
Figure 1.

Dose-response curve for barbiturates.

Figure 2.
Figure 2.

Dose-response curve for benzodiazepines.

Contributor Notes

Address correspondence to Dr Donaldson, 1305 East Third Street, Whitefish, MT, 59937; medworx@cyberport.net.
Received: 21 May 2007
Accepted: 01 Jun 2007
  • Download PDF