Melatonin as Antianxiety drug in dentistry: A Review

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22270/ajdhs.v5i1.112

Keywords:

Anesthesia, Dental Anxiety, Melatonin, Premedication

Abstract

Background: Anxiety is a barrier to dental care for many people. According to preliminary research, melatonin has sedative and anxiolytic effects. In dentistry, anxiety is a prevalent issue that may compromise the effectiveness of appropriate therapy. Many people with anxiety require oral premedication. Many people require heavy sedation or even general anesthesia to undergo dental care because they are so extremely nervous that oral sedation is ineffective. Even inserting an intravenous catheter can be challenging for these people because of their high levels of anxiety. The most often prescribed anxiolytic in these situations has been benzodiazepines, although several of these may cause paradoxical side effects. Since melatonin promotes natural drowsiness and enhances sedation, it has a strong chance of replacing benzodiazepines in this industry. This article aims to provide an overview of the use of melatonin as a dental premedication for patients who are uncooperative and apprehensive.

Keywords: Anesthesia, Dental Anxiety, Melatonin, Premedication

Author Biographies

Sonal Gupta , Head of the department, Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, K.D. Dental College and Hospital, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India

Head of the department, Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, K.D. Dental College and Hospital, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India

Rohan Shrivastava , Post Graduate Student, Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, K.D. Dental College and Hospital, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India

Post Graduate Student, Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, K.D. Dental College and Hospital, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India

Abhinandan Patra , Senior Lecturer, Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, K.D. Dental College and Hospital, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India

Senior Lecturer, Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, K.D. Dental College and Hospital, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India

Charu Aggarwal , Post Graduate Student, Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, K.D. Dental College and Hospital, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India

Post Graduate Student, Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, K.D. Dental College and Hospital, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India

Rishi Nanda , Professor, Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, Eklavya Dental College and Hospital, Kotputli, Rajasthan, India

Professor, Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, Eklavya Dental College and Hospital, Kotputli, Rajasthan, India

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Published

15.03.2025

How to Cite

Gupta, S., Shrivastava, R., Patra, A., Aggarwal, C., & Nanda, R. (2025). Melatonin as Antianxiety drug in dentistry: A Review. Asian Journal of Dental and Health Sciences, 5(1), 50–53. https://doi.org/10.22270/ajdhs.v5i1.112

Citations