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

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ABSTRACT

Aim

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

Material and methods

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.

Results

480 pre-cooperative/anxious patients aged 3 to 17 years (mean 6.7±2.7; 54.6% male) were treated in 803 nitrous oxide sessions. Most children were 6–12-year-olds (n= 271, 56.5%). The overall success rate was 92.7% for all nitrous oxide sessions (95% CI adjusted for multiple sessions: 91-94%). In relation to patients’ age, the success rate increased significantly (P=0.041). Over the years of use a clear learning effect can be depicted.

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.

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