Comparison of Triazolam and Midazolam for Anxiolysis During Dental Treatment in the Pediatric Patient

Oral Anxiolysis for the Older Pediatric Patient-Which Medication is Preferred?

This study will evaluate the perceptions of the effects of two anxiolytic medications commonly used during dental treatment in patients weighing 40 kilograms or more.

Midazolam and nitrous oxide are commonly used in pediatric patients requiring anxiolysis during dental treatment. Triazolam and nitrous oxide are commonly used in adult patients requiring anxiolysis during dental treatment. The participants in this study are patients already scheduled for 2 sedation appointments to complete their dental treatment. The medications are both benzodiazepines that have similar risks, neither medication has greater adverse effects than the other. This study will evaluate the perceptions of the effects of the medications via a parent survey and chart review. The goal of the study is to determine which anxiolytic medication is perceived to provide a better sedation experience for older pediatric patients based on parent perception of the medication's effects and the patient's behavior during dental treatment.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Weigh 40 kilograms or more.
2. 2/4 or 3/4 Frankl Behavioral Rating at their evaluation appointment.
3. Dental treatment that requires two sedation appointments. Dental treatment that requires sedation includes: fillings, crowns, pulpotomies and/or extractions.
4. Between the ages of 7-17 years old.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patients taking any of the following medications will be excluded from the study: Atripia, cimetidine, diltiazem, erythromycin, fluconazole, grapefruit juice, isoniazid, itraconazole, ketoconazole, nefazodone, rifampicin, ritonavir, fusidic acid, idelalisisb, methadone, olanzapine, thalidomide and/or troleandomycin.
2. Pregnant patients will be excluded.
3. Patients that have HIV-1 that is being treated with a protease inhibitor will be excluded.
4. Patients with a MTHFR mutation will be excluded.
5. Patients with acute narrow angle glaucoma will be excluded.
6. Patients that have had a previous adverse, paradoxical or allergic reaction to any benzodiazepines will be excluded from the study.
7. Patients unable to swallow medication in tablet form.
8. Patients that do not speak English as their primary language.