Abstract:

Objective To analyze the efficacy of nitrous oxide/oxygen (N₂O/O₂) inhalation sedation in the root canal treatment of deciduous teeth in children with dental phobia, and explore the feasibility of refined drug delivery. Methods Thirty-seven patients who needed root canal treatment in pediatric dentistry were randomly selected, and the degree of dental fear was evaluated using the Frankl Behavior Scale before surgery. N₂O/O₂ sedation was used to assist in oral treatment. The compliance of the child with treatment was evaluated using the Houpt Behavior Scale after surgery and postoperative assessment was conducted. Results Twenty-five children in the mild to moderate fear group successfully completed oral treatment, with a success rate of 100%. There were 12 children in the severe fear group, and 10 of them successfully completed treatment, with a success rate of 83.3%. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P=0.099). The maintenance concentration and maximum concentration of N₂O during surgery were significantly lower in the mild to moderate dental phobia group compared to the severe phobia group (P<0.05). Conclusion The oral treatment effect of N₂O/O₂ inhalation sedation is better in children with mild to moderate dental phobia. Preoperative assessment of anxiety status in pediatric patients can help to select N₂O concentration during treatment, achieving the goal of precise administration.

Key words: dental anxiety in children, N₂O/O₂, inhalation sedation, precise drug administration, root canal treatment for deciduous teeth