Effects of auriculotherapy and midazolam in the anxiety control of patients submitted to third-molar extractions

Abstract

Objectives: Anxiety is common and it still represents a barrier to appropriate professional care for patients requiring dental treatment. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of auricu- lotherapy and midazolam in the anxiety control of patients submitted to third molar extractions. Study design: In a randomized, double-blind, controlled, crossover, clinical trial, 30 healthy volunteers received midazolam 15mg/V.O. and sham-auriculotherapy during one session. In the other session, a placebo tablet/V.O. and auriculotherapy was performed. The sessions were random- ized. Anxiety level was assessed through questionnaires and physical parameters, such as blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR) and oxygen saturation (SpO2) in three periods: baseline, at the day of surgery, and during patient return. Results: No significant differences between the protocols were observed for BP and SpO2. Auriculotherapy induced lower HR than midazolam during some periods. Auriculotherapy induced more events remembered after surgery (p < 0.0001) than midazolam. More undesirable effects (p < 0.0001) were observed with midazolam. However, the preference for auriculotherapy (53.3%) was not higher than patient´s preference for midazolam (46.7%). Conclusions: Auriculotherapy showed an anxiolytic effect equivalent to the midazolam effect, without the undesirable effects usually attributed to the benzodiazepine.