Satisfaction with dental treatment performed under nitrous oxide sedation: prospective questionnaire-based study

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ABSTRACT

Aim

Nitrous oxide sedation is an effective and safe pharmacological behaviour management technique that has been used in dentistry for many decades. The aim of this study was to assess the patients’, accompanying adults’ and dentists’ satisfaction with dental treatment under nitrous oxide sedation.

Material and methods

This questionnaire-based study was conducted at the Department of Preventive and Pediatric Dentistry at the University of Greifswald in Germany. A questionnaire was distributed to eligible patients (n=51), accompanying adults and treating dentists. The opinions of accompanying adults and dentists were assessed by means of Visual Analogue Scale (VAS).

Results

Fifty-one pre-cooperative and/or anxious children aged between 3-15 years (mean age 7.7 ± 2.8 years; 54.9% female) were treated in 54 nitrous oxide sessions. 47.1% were preschool-children (mean dmft: 6.1 ± 3.0). 92.6% of the participating children were highly satisfied with the nitrous oxide treatment as well as the majority of the accompanying adults as indicated by the mean score of (VAS; 0.6 ± 1.0). The cooperation of the patients was considerably improved by nitrous oxide sedation; 59.3% of the patients reached the maximum score 4 (Frankl Behaviour Rating Scale). In the 54 nitrous oxide sessions 97 teeth were treated (82.5% primary teeth) most commonly with extraction (60.8%).

Conclusion

Most patients, accompanying adults, and dentists expressed high satisfaction with dental treatment under nitrous oxide, as it effectively enhanced the cooperation making the treatment in the majority of cases possible and more acceptable.

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