Clinical effectiveness of inhalation conscious sedation with nitrous oxide and oxygen for dental treatment in uncooperative paediatric patients during COVID-19 outbreak

Authors

  • GG Ferrazzano Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Oral Sciences, School of Paediatric Dentistry, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy - Staff Member of UNESCO Chair on Health Education and Sustainable Development, University of Naples, "Federico II", Naples
  • M Quaraniello Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Oral Sciences, School of Paediatric Dentistry, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples
  • G Sangianantoni Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Oral Sciences, School of Paediatric Dentistry, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples
  • A Ingenito Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Oral Sciences, School of Paediatric Dentistry, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples
  • T Cantile Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Oral Sciences, School of Paediatric Dentistry, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.23804/ejpd.2020.21.04.4

Keywords:

Inhalation conscious sedation, Children, Paediatric dentistry, COVID-19, Nitrous oxide

Abstract

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the features of inhalation conscious sedation for urgent dental treatments in uncooperative paediatric patients during COVID-19 outbreak. METHODS: Forty-two uncooperative patients, attending primary and secondary schools, were submitted to emergency dental treatments with inhalation conscious sedation using nitrous oxide and oxygen during COVID-19 pandemic. Collected data included: number of working sessions, success/failure, adverse events, side effects, number of teeth treated; type of dental procedure. Parents filled in an e-mailed questionnaire on post-discharge children status to evaluate: pain; crying; fever; vomiting; headache; drowsiness; excitability; irritability; ability to eat; need for drugs. CONCLUSION: Inhalation conscious sedation is a safe, practical and effective procedure with minimal side effects to perform emergency dental treatments in uncooperative paediatric patients during COVID-19 outbreak.