Dexmedetomidine: A Review of a Newer Sedative in Dentistry

Abstract

The study revealed that Dexmedetomidine being a new drug with its added advantages makes a better choice for sedation in dentistry. But with limited studies on Dexmedetomidine, the recommendation to use the drug exclusively is still under debate.

Advanced maxillofacial imaging for temporomandibular disorder in special needs patients

“…It has a quick onset and rapid recovery; however, the drug and its metabolite have a relatively long half‐life, resulting in prolongation of sedation and psychomotor impairment . Dexmedetomidine is an α2‐adrenoceptor agonist, similar to Clonidine, but demonstrates eight times more selectivity for α‐2 than α‐1 receptors, which cause less respiratory depressive effect . Since it shows no risk of apnea or respiratory depression, it has been safely and effectively used for radiologic procedures, including MRI .…”

MiR‐29b expression is associated with a dexmedetomidine‐mediated protective effect against oxygen‐glucose deprivation‐induced injury to SK‐N‐SH cells in vitro

“…When treating cerebral infarction, restoration of blood flow in the ischemic areas is essential for repairing ischemic cerebral tissues; however, neurological impairments caused by secondary injuries incurred during reperfusion can adversely influence the patient's quality of life (Xu et al, 2005). Dex is a highly selective a 2 adrenergic receptor stimulant (Devasya and Sarpangala, 2015). A slow intravenous infusion of a small dose of Dex is sufficient to produce an effect on a 2 adrenergic receptors, but a high dose (>1,000 ug/kg) or rapid intravenous infusion of Dex will affect both a 1 and a 2 receptors (Khan et al, 1999).…”

“…Dexmedetomidine (Dex) is a highly selective a 2 adrenergic receptor stimulant, with the same receptor selectivity as a 2 : a 1 ¼ 1600:1 (Devasya and Sarpangala, 2015). Dex produces tranquilization, anti-anxiety, and analgesic effects, and suppresses sympathetic nerve activity.…”

Changing Trends in Dental Procedural Sedation

“…It has been used for procedural sedation in both pediatric and adult patients. It has many characteristics that make its use in procedural dentistry very appealing [44] . It is a sedative with no or minimal respiratory depression, antisialogogue, does not cause tachycardia or hypertension, and patients are easily arousable with clear mind [44][45][46] .…”

“…It has many characteristics that make its use in procedural dentistry very appealing [44] . It is a sedative with no or minimal respiratory depression, antisialogogue, does not cause tachycardia or hypertension, and patients are easily arousable with clear mind [44][45][46] . Limited data on adult population undergoing dental procedural sedation with dexmedetomidine has shown it to efficacious and safe with sufficient analgesia, but limited amnesia and prolonged recovery time [47][48][49][50] .…”