Comparing sedation methods for children's dental treatment

Sedation Versus Protective Stabilization for Dental Treatment of Children With Caries and Negative Behavior at the Dentist: a Non-randomized Clinical Trial

Phase 4 Interventional Universidade Federal de Goias · NCT04119180

This study is testing whether using medication or physical restraint is better for helping young children with dental anxiety get the dental care they need.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment152 (estimated)
Ages1 Year to 7 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversidade Federal de Goias Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Goiânia, Goiás and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04119180 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of moderate sedation versus protective stabilization in treating children with dental anxiety and behavior issues. It involves 152 children under 7 years old who require dental restoration due to cavities and have a history of non-cooperation. The study is conducted in outpatient clinics at the Federal University of Goiás and the University of São Paulo, with collaboration from King's College London. The interventions include the administration of ketamine and midazolam for sedation, compared to physical restraint methods.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are children under 7 years old with dental caries and a history of non-cooperation during dental care.

Not a fit: Patients who exhibit positive behavior during dental examinations may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve dental treatment experiences for anxious children, leading to better oral health outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have explored sedation in pediatric dentistry, but this specific comparison of sedation versus stabilization is less common, making it a novel approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Children presenting cavities that need dental restoration
* ASA I (healthy) or II (mild and controlled systemic disease - persistent asthma, for example) children (ASA, 2015)
* Medical history without neurological or cognitive impairment
* Children who do not use medicines that may impair cognitive functions
* Children at low risk for airway obstruction (Mallampati less than 2 and / or tonsil hypertrophy occupying less than 50% of the oropharynx) (Mallampati et al., 1985)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Children with positive or definitely positive behavior (Frankl et al. 1962) in the dental examination session
* Non-attendance at the first intervention appointment after three scheduling attempts
* Chronic use of systemic corticosteroids

Where this trial is running

Goiânia, Goiás and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Child BehaviorDental Caries in ChildrenDental AnxietyDental CariesConscious SedationPhysical RestraintCost-Efficacy Analysis
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.