A single-centre investigator-blinded randomised parallel-group study protocol to investigate the influence of an acclimatisation appointment on children's behaviour during NO/O sedation as measured by psychological, behavioural and real-time physiological parameters.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

To describe a study protocol of a randomised control trial (RCT) assessing the effectiveness, in reducing dental anxiety, of an acclimatising nitrous oxide sedation (NO) session prior to actual dental treatment with NO.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A single-centre investigator-blinded parallel-group RCT conducted in a postgraduate dental hospital in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). Anxious children requiring NO (aged 5-15 years) will be randomly assigned to; a study group: children who will have a preparatory NO trial experience or; a control group: children who will only have NO explained to them. Treatment with NO for both groups will start at the second visit. The following outcomes will be recorded: completion of dental treatment, anxiety scores at baseline and after treatment (using the Modified Child Dental Anxiety Scale faces), behaviour of the child (using Frankl Rating Behaviour Scale) and the acquisition of real-time physiological anxiety-related parameters (using E4 electronic wrist devices).

RESULTS

The data will be analysed statistically.

DISCUSSION

There is a paucity of research regarding dental NO acclimatising appointments. This RCT will supplement existing literature.

CONCLUSIONS

This RCT will report whether prior acclimatising of a child to NO sedation is effective, or not, in improving dental treatment behaviour.