SAFETY, BEHAVIORAL RESPONSE, AND RECOVERY FOLLOWING NITROUS OXIDE–OXYGEN CONSCIOUS SEDATION DURING PEDIATRIC DENTAL DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES
Keywords:
Nitrous oxide; pediatric dentistry; conscious sedation; safety; oxygen saturation; adverse events; recovery; dental anxiety.Abstract
Background: When nitrous oxide–oxygen (N₂O/O₂) is used to facilitate pediatric dental examination, clinical benefit must be considered together with physiological stability, adverse events, and recovery.
Objective: To characterize behavioral response, physiological parameters, adverse events, recovery time, and satisfaction associated with N₂O/O₂ conscious sedation during pediatric dental diagnostic procedures.
Methods: In a prospective comparative parallel-group study, 356 children aged 3–12 years underwent standardized dental diagnostic examination with N₂O/O₂ (n=178) or without N₂O/O₂ (n=178). Consciousness and verbal contact were maintained. Heart rate (HR), systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP/DBP), respiratory rate (RR), and SpO₂ were monitored. Behavioral/anxiety outcomes were assessed with Frankl, Venham, FIS, and Wong–Baker scales. Adverse events, recovery time, and parent/child satisfaction were recorded.
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