Quality of obturation and the behavior of children treated under nitrous oxide conscious sedation: A double-blinded split-mouth randomized clinical trial

Aim:Our aim is to assess the quality of obturation and behavior of the children treated with and without nitrous oxide sedation and also to investigate the association between the quality of obturation and the behavior of children. Materials and Methods:A double-blinded split-mouth randomized clinical trial was conducted in 60 teeth. A total of 30 children aged 4-8 years in need of pulpectomy in bilateral mandibular molars were selected. On the first appointment, the children were assigned to protocol A, where the pulpectomy was performed without nitrous oxide inhalation sedation (NOIS). In the second visit, the children were allocated to protocol B, where pulpectomy was done in the contralateral molar under NOIS. The obturation quality and behavior of the children were graded according Coll and Sadrian criteria and Ohio State University Behavior Rating Scale, respectively. The data were assessed with descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, and Wilcoxin signed-rank test. Results:The quality of obturation and the behavior of the children were significantly better under conscious sedation (P = 0.000). Also, there was a significant association noted between the behavior of the children and quality of obturation (P = 0.0.012). Children exhibiting quiet behavior favored optimal fill, while in children showing cry alone or struggle , it was more of under-fill. In children showing both struggle and cry, more of over-fill pattern of obturation was noticed. Conclusion:Nitrous oxide sedation enhances the obturation quality and children's behavior. Furthermore, there is a clear association between children's behavior and obturation quality, regardless of whether nitrous oxide sedation is used or not.