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Rai K, Hegde AM et al. J Clin Paediatr Dent 2007; 32: 1–4

The aim of this study was to examine the efficacy of different agents to facilitate dental care in fearful children. Thirty healthy 3-6 year-old children were randomly assigned to 3 groups. Following premedication, each group of 10 patients received conscious sedation, from an anaesthetist, using either midazolam (0.1 mg/kg), propofol (1 mg/kg) or ketamine (0.5 mg/kg). Children who were sedated with midazolam and propofol experienced continual 'crying', whereas those who received ketamine were calm and comfortable. Propofol had the fastest post-operative recovery in contrast to midazolam that had the longest duration of action. In summary, the authors preferred ketamine and recommended further evaluation of this drug in combination with other sedative agents.