Effect of conscious sedation with midazolam on oxygen saturation

A randomized cross-over study was done to determine if significant oxygen desaturation occurs during third molar surgery under conscious sedation with midazolam to warrant supplementary oxygen. Thirty-two healthy patients of either sex, between the ages of 18 and 40 years, had bilateral symmetrically impacted lower third molar surgery under local anesthesia in two visits. Randomly at one visit the local anesthesia was supplemented with midazolam sedation. Continuous monitoring of oxygen saturation, blood pressure, and pulse were carried out. At the rate of injection with the dose of midazolam used, no significant desaturation attributable to midazolam sedation was observed. However, short periods of significant desaturation occurred with both procedures. These episodes, though of no consequence to healthy people, may produce problems in compromised patients, and indicate the importance of monitoring of oxygen saturation in all patients during minor oral surgery procedures.