Amnesic potency of nitrous oxide at various titration levels

Abstract

Introduction: Dental Treatment for an anxious child has always been a challenge to the pediatric dentist. Nitrous oxide has been documented as a safe and effective pharmacological mean of behaviour management which results in anxiolytic and analgesic effects along with slight amnesic effect. The objective of the study is to evaluate the amnesic effects of nitrous oxide during treatment at 30% and 50% concentrations of nitrous oxide and after 100% oxygen for 3 minutes. Materials and method: 30 Healthy Children (ASA I) of age group 7-12 years undergoing extraction were included in the study. Amnesic effects were evaluated visually by showing various cartoon pictures before the start of the treatment (A1) and subsequently asking the child to recognise them after 30% (A2), 50% (A3) nitrous oxide and after 100% oxygen (A4). Results: Nitrous oxide showed amnesic effects at various titration levels. Discussion: Any invasive dental intervention makes even a cooperative child uncooperative in the subsequent visits. However, any substance having amnesic effect results in no negative memory of the painful procedure performed.Nitrous oxide seems to be promising as a safe and potent amnesic agent. Conclusion: Nitrous oxide shows amnesic effects which can be helpful as it won’t let the child create any traumatic memory of the treatment.