87 - Efficacy of Nitrous Oxide in Patients Referred for Sedation/General Anesthesia

Abstract:

Objectives: General anesthesia and sedation are vital tools pediatric dentists rely on to provide essential dental care for children. However, these methods come with considerable risks, financial burdens for families, and the consumption of valuable hospital resources. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of behavior management and hospital-administered nitrous oxide in pediatric patients aged 4 to 13 who have been referred for oral conscious sedation (OCS) and/or general anesthesia (GA) by external dental practices. Successful treatment with nitrous oxide will be used as a decision-making tool to determine whether the child requires more advanced interventions such as GA or OCS. By assessing these interventions in the context of external referrals, the study seeks to optimize dental care pathways and protocols, ultimately reducing reliance on more complex treatments like sedation and general anesthesia as the initial option. 

Methods: A chart review was conducted at the NYU Langone Brooklyn FHC pediatric dental department between the dates of June 1st, 2024 to December 31st, 2024 looking at all the pediatric patients aged 4-13 with a referral from outside dentist. Investigation into why they have been referred to NYU Langone Brooklyn FHC pediatric dental department was done in order to determine if all the patients that have been referred can be treated chairside with nitrous oxide and/or behavior management technique prior to resorting to sedation or GA.

Results: The date showed that many patients from the age of 4-13 benefit from having hospital administered nitrous oxide for restorative treatment. As providers we can avoid referring dentally anxious patients for more advanced patient management techniques such as oral conscious sedation and general anesthesia by use of behavior management techniques in conjunction with nitrous oxide. Additionally, this reduces the burden on sedation and general anesthesia waiting times and resources.

Conclusions: Through the use of nitrous oxide, we hope to reduce the reliance on advance methods such as sedation and general anesthesia, thus promoting safer and less intrusive treatment options for children and minimizing associated risks and complications. Ultimately, the insights gained from this research empower healthcare providers to deliver more patient-centered, evidence-based care, fostering better oral health outcomes and overall well-being for pediatric patients.

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