Triazolam (Halcion) Usage in Dentistry: Basic Facts

Triazolam (Halcion), a shorter acting sedative, has been used on anxious patients to allow dental procedures to be done in a more reliable fashion. The usual use of Triazolam are as follows:

1. Dose range: 0.125-0.5mg
2. Tablet form: 0.125, 0.25mg
3. Onset: 15-30 minutes
4. Half Life: 1.5-5 hours
5. Best used for: short to moderate length dental appointments (2-4 hours)

Source: Bhalla J, Anxiety and Dental Management, Ontario Dentist, Vol 86, No 8, pg 20-23.

Hans Skariah, B.Sc., DMD
Promenade Court Dental Health Group in Mississauga
2233 Hurontario St., Mississauga, ON, Canada
(1/2 km north of the QEW in the Dome Building)
(905) 273-7100

Ativan Usage in Dentistry: Basic Facts

Lorazepam (Ativan), a sedative, has been used on anxious patients to allow dental procedures to be done in a more reliable fashion. The usual use of Ativan are as follows:

1. Dose range: 0.25-4mg
2. Tablet form: 0.5, 1.0, 2.0mg
3. Liquid form: 2mg/ml
4. Onset: 30-60 minutes
5. Half Life: >8 hours
6. Best used for: longer dental appointments (3 hours)

Source: Bhalla J, Anxiety and Dental Management, Ontario Dentist, Vol 86, No 8, pg 20-23.

Hans Skariah, B.Sc., DMD
Promenade Court Dental Health Group in Mississauga
2233 Hurontario St., Mississauga, ON, Canada
(1/2 km north of the QEW in the Dome Building)
(905) 273-7100

Dental Did You Know: The Four Types of Dental Fear

1. Specific Fear: These are patients who have 1 or 2 specific issues that bother them; usually procedural or physical. This situation is relatively easy to identify and control.
2. Loss of Control: usually due to adverse events during their life, these patients typically need high levels of sedation.
3. Catastrophe: A small percentage of dental patients really don't fear dentistry, but fear the consequences of dentistry. An example may be a patient with bladder control problems fearing an incident due to a long appointment.
4. General Anxiety Disorder (GAD): This is typically the most common underlying cause of dental fear. Unlike the previous categories, this is a recognized medical disorder. These patients have problems dealing with the stress of everyday life, not with dentistry per se. Minimal to moderate sedation can help in these situations. A medical referral would be great to help the patient.

Hans Skariah, B.Sc., DMD
Promenade Court Dental Health Group in Mississauga
2233 Hurontario St., Mississauga, ON, Canada
(1/2 km north of the QEW in the Dome Building)
(905) 273-7100