Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of different sedation protocols commonly used in pediatric dental procedures, specifically focusing on Midazolam and Dexmedetomidine. METHODS: A retrospective comparative study was conducted on pediatric patients undergoing dental procedures under sedation. Three sedation protocols (Midazolam, Dexmedetomidine, and Midazolam-Ketamine combination) were evaluated. The primary outcomes assessed were sedation efficacy, patient cooperation, and side effects. Statistical analyses were conducted to determine differences between groups. RESULTS: The study demonstrated significant differences in sedation efficacy and patient cooperation between the protocols. Dexmedetomidine showed superior efficacy in maintaining stable sedation levels and minimizing adverse reactions compared to Midazolam. The combination of Midazolam and Ketamine provided a quicker onset but was associated with a higher incidence of side effects. CONCLUSION: Dexmedetomidine is a safer and more effective sedation option for pediatric dental procedures compared to Midazolam and its combination with Ketamine. Further randomized controlled trials are recommended to confirm these findings.