Temperament as a predictor of the success of nitrous oxide inhalation sedation in children

This can be difficult to determine when the patient is a child. If a dentist could predict how a child is likely to respond to the usage of laughing gas, also known as nitrous oxide, the visit is more likely to be free of anxiety and fear.

The authors of an article published in the current issue of the journal Anesthesia Progress wanted to learn whether a child’s disposition is linked to successful usage of nitrous oxide. This form of sedation is often used by dentists treating children. Although children in general are prone to fear and discomfort in a dentist’s chair, research suggests that attitude is a key factor in how well a particular child will navigate a dental visit. However, no prior behavioural studies looked solely at nitrous oxide use.

The study included 48 patients, from three to eight years old, who were receiving dental care at a university based clinic in Seattle, Washington. The children’s caregivers completed a validated behaviour questionnaire, which the researchers used along with data from the patients’ charts to assess behaviour and sedation success during the dental visit.