Role of Diazepam in Dentistry-A Short Review

Abstract

Diazepam is often considered the prototypical benzodiazepine and the “grandfather” of the drug class; It is a reliable agent for treating stress and anxiety in adults. Dental patients with generalized anxiety, belonephobia (fear of needles and sharp instruments), prior dental trauma, or generalized fear of the dentist can take diazepam in order to reduce their anxieties. A variety of single and incremental dose protocols are used to medicate the patient as early as the day before treatment. It also can be taken 1 hour before the procedure. Medication additionally helps reduce memory or the sights and smells of the dental office to avoid recall of any trauma. This medication belongs to a class called benzodiazepines which act on the brain and nerves to produce a calming effect. It works by enhancing the effects of a certain natural chemical in the body (GABA). Diazepam also can be given through a vein in the arm for conscious sedation. When given by mouth, diazepam is very safe. But it does often cause side effects, including, forgetfulness, impaired thinking. Certain groups of people should not take diazepam, they are people with narrow-angle glaucoma, people with sleep apnea, pregnant women. It should be administered only by people with advanced training in anesthesiology.