I.v. sedation for conservative dentistry. A comparison of midazolam and diazepam.

Midazolam and the emulsion formulation of diazepam were compared in a cross-over study in 50 patients undergoing out-patient conservative dentistry, with particular regard to sedation and the quality of recovery. Both agents proved effective, but sedation was achieved more rapidly with midazolam (P = 0.001) and was more effective (P less than 0.02). Significantly greater anterograde amnesia for the dental procedure (P less than 0.001) and a more rapid return to normal activities (P less than 0.02) were found with midazolam. Psychometric testing, however, failed to show any objective differences between the treatments. A mean dose of midazolam 0.14 mg kg-1 was required to achieve sedation equating to 0.29 mg kg-1 of diazepam, although there was considerable variation between individual patients.