Parents and children perception towards the nitrous oxide inhalation sedation as behavioural management technique during pediatric dental care

Aim: Nitrous oxide-oxygen sedation offers the clinician a more predictable clinical outcome. The aim of the study was to find the opinion, attitude, beliefs, and existing knowledge of parents about nitrous oxide inhalation sedation. Methods: 50 parents aged 20 to 60 years accompanying a single child aged five to nine years were included in the study. Both parents and children were shown a video in separate rooms regarding nitrous oxide sedation as a pharmacological aid in regular dental treatment. A pretested questionnaire consisting of 21 questions with multiple choice type responses was asked to fill by all participants after the video presentation. Results: Completed questionnaires were statistically analysed using chi square test (P<0.05). A significant declining trend in parental acceptance was noticed with increasing age of parents (P= .001). Parental education also showed a significant association with their acceptance of this sedation technique (P = .024). 93.3% of children liked the content of the video and, would like to get their treatment done in the same way. Conclusion: Education played a role in existing knowledge about sedation and perception about the safety of nitrous oxide sedation. Parents feel sedation is safe in the dental office.