Evaluation of postoperative pain with midazolam administration in extractions of impacted mandibular third molars

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the impact of administering midazolam preoperatively on postoperative pain reduction and blood pressure and heart rate changes in extractions of impacted mandibular third molars. Methods: This clinical, prospective randomized study included a sample of 14 patients of both genders, aged between 15 and 27 years old, who were indicated for extraction of impacted mandibular third molars. They were divided into two groups: the Midazolam Group (n=7), who received midazolam (15 mg, orally, 1 h before surgery), and the Control Group (n=7), who did not. The possible decrease in pain threshold was investigated based on a visual analog scale. The characteristics of hypotension and bradycardia caused by midazolam were also evaluated in different periods of time. Results: The non-parametric Mann-Whitney test revealed a statistically significant difference (p=0.01) between the two groups' pain threshold. On the other hand, the blood pressure and heart rate changes were not statistically significantly different (p>0.05) between the two groups. Conclusions: Midazolam administration was not effective in reducing postoperative pain from the extraction of lower third molars. In addition, blood pressure and heart rate did not change significantly due to medication administration.