Intravenous premedication of the periodontal patient with hydroxyzine and meperidine: a preliminary report

Intravenous conscious sedation in the periodontal patient

Intravenous diazepam was evaluated as a preoperative medication prior to periodontal surgery. Ten patients were subjected to two separately scheduled surgical episodes. During one procedure, a placebo was administered via an intravenous drip and during the other procedure, diazepam was titrated until Verrill's sign was reached. Vital signs, skin temperature, galvanic skin response, and serum cortisol were monitored and analyzed during both procedures. Vital functions were more stable in diazepam-sedated patients than in the placebo group. This was manifested by less increase in systolic blood pressure, respiration and heart rate. The galvanic skin resistance was increased and serum cortisol values decreased throughout the sedation phase, suggesting a reduced sympathetic arousal. This study indicates that intravenous diazepam sedation enhances patient comfort and improves physiologic safety during periodontal surgery.

Full dentition periodontal surgery utilizing intravenous conscious-sedation. A report of 5200 cases

A brief survey of the techniques of intravenous conscious-sedation for full dentition, all inclusive periodontal surgery is presented as used for 5200 patients. Diazepam, meperidine, and methohexital were employed in 3700 cases while diazepam plus methohexital was used in the remaining 1500 cases. Local infiltration and nerve block anesthesia were employed in all of the cases. Patients of wide age range having a physical status of I, II, or III underwent total periodontal surgery in one appointment. No major complications were noted. Patient and surgeon acceptance was excellent.

Intravenous sedation of the periodontal surgical patient

A safe sedation technique for the periodontal surgical patient has been discussed. By utilizing the drugs discussed and titrating the dosage to the needs of the patient, intravenous sedation will last long enough to complete the selected periodontal surgical procedure. The Jorgenson combinatione of drugs seems ideal for procedures lasting two or more hours, while diazepam is more desirable for those of shorter duration. Patient and surgeon comfort is coexistent with the patient's safety. Although the intravenous route is considered to be the most dangerous of all, when it is employed with optimum care and on well-selected patients, it is possibly one of the safest.