Effect of sedation techniques on children's experience and compliance in dental procedures
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