Effects of auriculotherapy and midazolam for anxiety control in patients submitted to third molar extraction

• Published in: International journal of oral and maxillofacial surgery 2019-05, Vol.48 (5), p.669-674
• Main Authors: Dellovo, A.G., Souza, L.M.A., de Oliveira, J.S., Amorim, K.S., Groppo, F.C.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Anxiety; Auriculotherapy; Double-Blind Method; Humans; Midazolam; Molar, Third; third molar surgery
• ISSN: 0901-5027; 1399-0020
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijom.2018.10.014

Anxiety is common and still represents a barrier to appropriate professional care for patients requiring dental treatment. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of auriculotherapy and midazolam for the control of anxiety in patients submitted to third molar extractions. This was a randomized, double-blind, controlled, crossover clinical trial. Thirty healthy volunteers requiring bilateral third molar extraction received midazolam 15mg (oral) and sham auriculotherapy during one session, and a placebo tablet (oral) and auriculotherapy during the other; the sessions were randomized. The level of anxiety was assessed through questionnaires and physical parameters (blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen saturation (SpO2)) at three time points: baseline, on the day of surgery, and at follow-up. No significant differences between the protocols were observed for blood pressure and SpO2. Auriculotherapy induced a lower heart rate than midazolam during some periods. Auriculotherapy induced more events remembered after surgery than midazolam (P