Novel Nasal Mask for Effective Inhalational Sedation in Pediatric Patients

Background: Conscious sedation is a drug-induced depression of consciousness during which the patient responds to verbal commands either alone or accompanied by light tactile stimulation.

Objectives: This study aimed to estimate the concentration of nitrous oxide (N2O) required for effective sedation in anxious children undergoing dental treatment and to assess behaviour, patient acceptance, parental satisfaction, postoperative complications, and ease of mask manipulation by the dentist during N2O–O2 sedation.

Materials and Methods: A total of 40 children aged 6–10 years requiring dental treatment were treated using N2O sedation. Observations included the level of N2O required for optimal sedation, patient behaviour, acceptance, clinical recovery score, and postoperative complications. Parental satisfaction was evaluated using a questionnaire post-treatment. The descriptive and inferential statistical data were analyzed using the IBM Corporation Statistical Package for the Social Sciences statistics for Windows, version 20.0.

Results: N2O concentration ranged from 25 to 70% with a minimal rate of complication like nausea, vomiting, headache, and mild ambulatory difficulties. Sedation was highly effective with 25–50% N2O concentration. Approximately 92.5% of children were fully cooperative, and the dentist was able to comfortably place the mask in 92.5% of cases. Significant improvement in patient behaviour with minimal complications was observed, and 100% of parents were satisfied with the treatment.

Conclusion: Inhalational sedation with N2O using the Porter Silhouette mask results in effective sedation, increased patient comfort, and high parental acceptance in providing dental treatment.