Intravenous sedation and hemodynamic changes during dental implant surgery.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the present study was to determine whether intravenous sedation during dental implant surgery contributed to stabilization of hemodynamics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred fifty-five consecutive patients treated with dental implants were randomly assigned to receive either intravenous sedation with local anesthesia (sedation group, n = 123) or local anesthesia only (nonsedation group, n = 132). Midazolam and propofol were used synergistically as sedative agents. Systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and pulse rate were measured every 2.5 minutes during dental implant surgery. On the basis of these data, the coefficient of variation, percentage of change, maximum values, and incidences of a larger increase were analyzed and expressed as cardiovascular changes. RESULTS: A comparison of percentages of change, maximum values, and incidences of a greater increase showed that systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure were significantly higher in the nonsedation group than in the sedation group. The combination of midazolam and propofol sedation prevented excessive increases in blood pressure. The circulatory suppression induced by the intravenous sedation regimen not only reduced mental stress arising from the state of sedation but also exerted a pharmacologic effect. The application of this intravenous sedation regimen stabilized hemodynamics and contributed to the safety of the patient in dental implant surgery. CONCLUSION: The application of intravenous sedation had a beneficial effect for hemodynamic changes during dental implant surgery.