Jul 2026· International Journal of Drug Delivery Technology· Vol 16· 0 citations· 18 references
TL;DR
Inhalation sedation was more effective than oral sedation in improving children's dental experience and compliance during procedures, and support the preferential use of inhalation sedation as a behavior management strategy in pediatric dentistry.
Abstract
Background: Dental anxiety and uncooperative behavior are common challenges in pediatric dentistry and can
negatively affect treatment outcomes and future dental attendance. Sedation techniques are frequently employed
to reduce anxiety, improve cooperation, and enhance children's overall dental experience. However, evidence
comparing the impact of different sedation techniques on children's experience and compliance remains limited.
Objective: To compare the effects of inhalation sedation and oral sedation on children's experience and
compliance during dental procedures.
Methods: This prospective comparative observational study included 100 children aged 4–10 years requiring
dental treatment under sedation. Participants were divided into two groups: Group A (n = 50) received inhalation
sedation with nitrous oxide–oxygen, and Group B (n = 50) received oral sedation. Children's experience was
assessed post-procedure using a facial image scale, while compliance during treatment was evaluated using the
Frankl Behavior Rating Scale. Demographic and clinical variables were recorded. Data were analyzed using
descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic and ordinal regression analyses using STATA, with p < 0.05
considered statistically significant.
Results: Children in the inhalation sedation group demonstrated significantly higher rates of positive experience
and cooperative behavior compared to the oral sedation group. Logistic regression analysis showed that inhalation
sedation significantly increased the odds of cooperative behavior. Ordinal regression analysis also indicated a
significant association between inhalation sedation and improved experience scores, independent of age and
gender.
Conclusion: Inhalation sedation was more effective than oral sedation in improving children's dental experience
and compliance during procedures. These findings support the preferential use of inhalation sedation as a behavior
management strategy in pediatric dentistry
Dental anxiety in children represents a significant clinical challenge, adversely affecting patient cooperation, treatment outcomes, and long-term attitudes toward dental care. In recent years, increasing attention has been directed toward modern technologies designed to alleviate anxiety and pain during dental procedures. The aim of this review was to present contemporary technologies used to reduce dental anxiety in pediatric patients and to evaluate their effectiveness based on current scientific evidence.
A literature search was conducted using the PubMed and Google Scholar databases. Publications investigating the application of virtual reality (VR), audio and audiovisual distraction techniques, and mobile applications in pediatric dentistry were analyzed. Most studies demonstrated that these technologies effectively reduce anxiety levels, pain perception, and physiological parameters associated with stress. The strongest evidence supports the use of virtual reality and audiovisual distraction techniques, which, through immersive experiences and cognitive distraction, effectively divert children's attention from unpleasant dental stimuli. Mobile applications appear particularly useful in preparing children for dental visits by providing education and familiarization with dental procedures.
Despite promising findings, further high-quality clinical studies are required to standardize these interventions and to evaluate their long-term effectiveness and safety.
Martyna Smogór, Maria Torchalska, M. Szerszen et al.· International Journal of Inn...· 0 citations
Background: Sedation is an important behavior management technique in pediatric dentistry that helps provide safe and effective dental treatment in anxious and uncooperative children. Pediatricians often influence parental decisions regarding dental sedation. This study aimed to assess pediatrician’s knowledge, perception and awareness regarding sedation in pediatric dentistry.
Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey was conducted among 123 pediatricians using a structured Google Forms questionnaire consisting of 16 multiple-choice questions. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square test.
Results: Most participants (85.4%) were aware of pediatric dental sedation, with nitrous oxide sedation being the most recognized modality (74.0%). Majority of pediatricians considered sedation safe when appropriately administered (74.0%). Parental fear, insufficient professional training and limited access to sedation facilities were identified as major barriers. Most participants (82.9%) expressed the need for additional training and awareness programs. Significant associations were observed between years of experience and awareness-related variables (p<0.05).
Conclusions: Pediatricians demonstrated satisfactory awareness and positive perception regarding pediatric dental sedation; however, further training and interdisciplinary collaboration are required to improve safe sedation practices.
Hanshika Padhiar, Vasudha Sodani, B. Sarvaiya et al.· International Journal of Com...· 0 citations
Dental anxiety is a common psychological problem in pediatric dentistry and remains a major obstacle to successful treatment. Although various behavioral techniques and technological advancements have been introduced, many children still exhibit anxiety during dental procedures, leading to treatment avoidance, poorer oral health, and reduced cooperation. The etiology of dental anxiety is multifactorial, shaped by individual traits, family influences, and past dental experiences. Early and accurate assessment of anxiety levels is essential for guiding clinical decisions and selecting appropriate management strategies. Effective anxiety control enhances cooperation during treatment and helps establish positive attitudes toward oral care. This review summarizes the main causes of pediatric dental anxiety, commonly used assessment tools, and current evidence-based approaches for its management, emphasizing the importance of early intervention for improved clinical outcomes.
Büşra Almas· HRU International Journal of...· 0 citations
AbstractAim: The high prevalence of oral health problems and barriers to dental healthcare access constitute an important health inequity for individuals with disabilities. This inequity becomes more pronounced in patients who cannot be treated in standard clinical settings and require general anesthesia (GA) for comprehensive dental care. This study aimed to evaluate the sociodemographic and clinical profiles, treatment needs, and service process indicators of children and adults with disabilities who received dental health services under GA at a faculty of dentistry.Methods: This retrospective study analyzed Hospital Information Management System (HIMS) records of 262 patients with disabilities who received dental health services under GA between March 2017 and March 2020. Evaluated variables included GA sessions, waiting times, operation durations, medical consultation requirements, referral status, out-of-pocket payment status, and dental treatment needs. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square, and Mann–Whitney U tests were performed. Results: Of the patients, 38.2% were children and 61.8% were adults. Their main diagnosis were neurodevelopmental disorders, diseases of the nervous system, and developmental anomalies. The presence of out-of-pocket payments (Children [C]: 11.0%; Adults [A]: 38.9%; p=0.000) and the rate of receiving multiple GA sessions (C: 1.0%; A: 22.2%; p=0.000) were higher in adults. Additionally, the duration of the first GA session was significantly longer in adults (C: 170 min; A: 195 min; p=0.039). The most common dental treatment needs under GA were restorative (91.0%) and surgical (88.0%) treatments in children, and periodontal (90.1%), restorative (87.2%), and surgical (66.0%) treatments in adults.Conclusion: Dental treatment needs under GA varied by age group, with a more comprehensive and complex treatment burden emerging among adults. Therefore, improvement of preventive applications and easily accessible dental care are the main domains for developing oral health policies for patients with disabilities.Keywords: Dental care for persons with disabilities, General anesthesia, Treatment needs, Health services accessibility, Hospital information management systems
Tuğba Emine Beyhan, Gülcan Berkel, Ş. C. Akmansoy et al.· International Journal of Hea...· 0 citations
Introduction: Malocclusion is among the most common oral health problems in children, with potential effects on function, esthetics, and psychosocial well-being. Early orthodontic intervention can mitigate these consequences; however, parental awareness is critical in recognizing the need for treatment. This study aimed to compare parents’ perception of their children’s orthodontic treatment needs with professional assessment and to evaluate the prevalence of malocclusion in children. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on children aged 8–12 years and both of their parents attended the pedodontics clinic. Parents completed a 19-item questionnaire based on the esthetic component of the index of orthodontic treatment need (IOTN). Children were clinically examined by an orthodontist using IOTN and Angle’s classification. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences v26 with Chi-square tests and correlation analysis. Associations between parental perception and professional assessment were analyzed using Pearson’s Chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests, as appropriate. Effect sizes were calculated using Phi coefficient or Cramer’s V. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Results: The study included 298 children. The most prevalent malocclusion was Angle Class II (55%), followed by Class I (37.5%) and Class III (7.7%). More than half of the parents (51.3%) were unaware of early orthodontic treatment needs. A strong association was found between fathers’ education level and correct estimation of children’s dental appearance (p<0.001, Cramer’s V=0.555). Mothers with higher education were significantly more accurate in assessing malocclusion (p<0.001, Cramer’s V=0.515). Overall, parents’ ability to correctly identify their child’s malocclusion was limited. Discussion and Conclusion: Parental awareness regarding children’s malocclusion and the need for early orthodontic treatment was insufficient. Professional evaluation revealed that Class II malocclusion was the most prevalent type. Educational interventions targeting parents may improve awareness and timely orthodontic care
Roa Ahmed Ghanem, Göksu Trakyalı· Lokman Hekim Health Sciences· 0 citations
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