Intranasal versus sublingual route of dexmedetomidine sedation in paediatric dentistry: A randomized controlled clinical trial

Background: Many children experience dental anxiety during dental treatment. Conscious sedation is used to alleviate anxiety and enhance a child's cooperation. Aim: This study aimed to compare the efficacy of intranasal versus sublingual dexmedetomidine. Design: Forty-two healthy, uncooperative children participated in the study. They were divided randomly into two groups: In the first visit, Group I received intranasal dexmedetomidine and group II received sublingual dexmedetomidine, whereas at the second visit, the alternate route was implemented in a crossover design. The child's acceptance of drug administration method was assessed using a 4-point rating scale. Time until optimum sedation was measured. Anxiety during local anesthesia administration was scored using Venham's rating scale. Postoperative response was recorded through Vernon et al’s questionnaire. Results: The sublingual dexmedetomidine route was better accepted than the intranasal route (P=0.01), while the latter acted faster (P>0.001). No significant difference in anxiety scores was found between groups at baseline (P=0.84) or during local anesthetic administration (P=0.44). No negative effect was recorded by the parents who answered the Modified Vernon et al questionnaire 24 hour after the dental visit compared to before the dental visit (P=1.00). Conclusions: Both routes prevented the increase in anxiety scores equally during local anesthesia and do not have negative effect on postoperative behavior of children. However, the sublingual route showed better acceptance with longer onset time of action than the intranasal route.