Comparative evaluation of psychological effects of four intravenous conscious sedation techniques during dental implant surgery

Intravenous conscious sedation is widely used to control anxiety and increase patient tolerance during implant surgeries. Patients experience various sensations due to the use of different medications. In this study, patients’ sensations during conscious sedation were evaluated with the use of four IV sedation regimes to determine the best protocol. In this double-blind randomized clinical trial, 112 patients who were candidates for dental implants were evaluated in four groups: Midazolam, Midazolam/Fentanyl, Midazolam/Acetaminophen and Midazolam/Ketamine. At the end of recovery they were asked about their sensations during surgery. Data were analyzed with Pearson’s, chi-squared, Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests and ANOVA (α = 0.05). Pearson’s and chi-squared tests did not reveal any significant differences between the groups in relation to age, sex, and educational status; ANOVA did not show any differences between the groups in relation to duration of recovery and surgery and the dose of Midazolam used. Kruskal-Wallis test revealed significant differences in pleasant feelings between the four groups (p value < 0.001); Mann-Whitney test did not show any significant differences in pleasant sensations between the Midazolam and Midazolam/Ketamine groups (p value = 0.084). However, frequency of pleasant sensation was significantly higher in the Midazolam/Fentanyl group compared to that in the Midazolam group (p value = 0.008). Frequency of pleasant sensation was significantly higher in the Midazolam/Acetaminophen group compared to that in the Midazolam/Ketamine group (p value = 0.001). Kruskal-Wallis did not reveal any significant differences in pleasant sensations between the four groups (p value = 0.211). Based on the results of the present study, combined use of analgesics and sedatives gives rise to good sensations in patients during surgery and increases sedation efficacy and patient cooperation and satisfaction with the sedation procedure.