An estimated 34 million Americans have a dental phobia and consequently avoid dental care. In addition to receiving the standard administration of local or general anesthesia for needed dental services, these anxious, fearful, and difficult-to-manage patients often require sedation. This course compares the clinical advantages of zolpidem, zaleplon and eszipiclone over benzodiazepines for conscious sedation. The advantages and disadvantages of oral sedation techniques are explored along with the clinical indications for oral sedation in the dental office. Upon completion of this course, participants should be able to:
- Compare the clinical advantages of zolpidem, zaleplon, and eszopiclone over benzodiazepines for conscious sedation.
- Describe the mechanism of action of non-benzodizepine drugs.
- Explain the uptake, metabolism, and elimination of each of these drugs.
- Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of oral sedation techniques.
- List the clinical indications for oral sedation in the dental office.
- Identify why zaleplon could be recommended as the first choice for oral sedation in the dental office.
