NITROUS OXIDE SEDATION IN PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY: A NEW APPRAISAL

Purpose: The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) identifies nitrous oxide/oxygen inhalation as a safe and effective procedure to moderate anxiety, produce analgesia, and improve effective communication between a patient and health care provider. The prerequisite to diagnose and treat, as well as the safety of the patient and practitioner, should be measured before using nitrous oxide. By creating this guideline, the AAPD intends to support the dental profession in developing appropriate practices in the use of nitrous oxide/oxygen analgesia/anxiolysis for pediatric patients. Methods: This guideline is established on an assessment of the present dental and medical literature correlated to nitrous oxide/oxygen analgesia/ anxiolysis in pediatric patients. A MEDLINE examination was directed using the positions nitrous oxide, analgesia, anxiolysis, behavior management, and dental treatment. Background: Dentists have proficiency in providing anxiety and pain control for their patients. While anxiety and pain can be modified by psychological techniques, in various instances pharmacological approaches are required. Analgesia/anxiolysis is defined as diminution or eradication of pain and anxiety in a conscious patient. Conclusion: A patient with a non-collaborative profile in the pediatric dental office entails a specific method for effective treatment and for the childs safety. If psychological procedures are unproductive, inhalation conscious sedation should be considered as a worthwhile possibility. Sedation with N2O-O2 is mentioned in specific cases when it is supported by behavior control techniques that can deliver more safety and comfort for children during the dental treatment. Specific training in this extent is essential for the professional medical team as well as a profound knowledge of the technique itself so that the countrys laws and regulation are realistic without endangering the patients health.