Impact of operators' experience and patients' age on the success of nitrous oxide sedation for dental treatment in children

Eur J Paediatr Dent. 2022 Sep;23(3):183-188. doi: 10.23804/ejpd.2022.23.03.03.

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the success rates and potential influencing factors of nitrous oxide sedation for dental treatment in a specialised paediatric dental service.

Materials: Medical records of all children treated under nitrous oxide sedation in a specialised pedodontics clinic between 2012 and 2017 were analysed retrospectively for parameters such as age of the patient, experience and change of operating dentists, treatment procedure and success or failure regarding the sedation and treatment.

Conclusion: Given the high overall success rate of over 90%, nitrous oxide sedation can be a highly effective treatment option for performing dental treatment in pre-cooperative and/or anxious children and adolescents. With age of the children and experience of the dentist, success rates increased.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Anesthesia, Dental* / methods
  • Anesthetics, Inhalation*
  • Child
  • Conscious Sedation / methods
  • Dental Care
  • Humans
  • Nitrous Oxide / therapeutic use
  • Retrospective Studies

Substances

  • Anesthetics, Inhalation
  • Nitrous Oxide