Evaluation of Anxiolytic, Amnesic, and Psychomotor Effects of Nitrous Oxide Inhalation Sedation: An Study.

AIM

To evaluate the anxiolytic, amnesic, physiological, and psychomotor effects of nitrous oxide (N2O) inhalation sedation in children indicated for dental treatment.

METHODS

A total of 44 children indicated for single-sitting pulpectomy were divided into group I (control group) and group II (single-sitting pulpectomy under nitrous oxide inhalation sedation) to evaluate anxiolytic, amnesic, physiological, and psychomotor effects of nitrous oxide inhalation sedation. Physiological, anxiolytic, psychomotor, and amnesic effects were assessed using pulse oximeter, Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS), salivary cortisol levels, salivary nitric oxide (NO) levels, Bender visual motor Gestalt test, and recalling of images of shapes, respectively.

RESULTS

The results revealed statistically significant difference in pulse rate (PR) intraoperatively under nitrous oxide sedation but no significant difference in oxygen saturation (SpO₂) among the groups. Anxiety had significantly reduced after onset of sedation due to the anxiolytic effect of N₂O. Significant impairment of coordination and psychomotor ability was seen intraoperatively under nitrous oxide sedation. Statistically significant levels of amnesia were observed in nitrous oxide inhalation sedation.

CONCLUSION

Nitrous oxide sedation caused a significant decrease in anxiety, a significant effect on amnesic and psychomotor abilities of children.

HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE

Chaudhary S, Mathur S, Joshi S, . Evaluation of Anxiolytic, Amnesic, and Psychomotor Effects of Nitrous Oxide Inhalation Sedation: An Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2025;18(4):436-443.