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A placebo‐controlled, double‐blind, crossover trial on analgesic effect of nitrous oxide–oxygen inhalation
Author(s) -
Grønbæk Anni Birgitte,
Svensson Peter,
Væth Michael,
Hansen Ingelise,
Poulsen Sven
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
international journal of paediatric dentistry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.183
H-Index - 62
eISSN - 1365-263X
pISSN - 0960-7439
DOI - 10.1111/ipd.12027
Subject(s) - inhalation , medicine , placebo , crossover study , anesthesia , analgesic , nitrous oxide , threshold of pain , alternative medicine , pathology
Background The sedative effect of nitrous oxide–oxygen (N 2 O/O 2 ) inhalation is relatively well established. Less in known about its analgesic effect. Aim To determine the analgesic effect of N 2 O/O 2 inhalation on pulp sensitivity and jaw muscle pressure pain threshold in children. Design A placebo‐controlled, double‐blind, crossover trial with random allocation to two sequences: atmospheric air at the first session and N 2 O/O 2 at the second; or N 2 O/O 2 at the first session and atmospheric air at the second. Measurements included reaction time, pulp pain sensitivity, jaw muscle pressure pain thresholds and a VAS score of overall discomfort from the pain tests. Results Fifty‐six children (12–15 years) completed the study. N 2 O/O 2 inhalation increased reaction time ( P < 0.001). Pulp pain sensitivity was reduced during N 2 O/O 2 inhalation ( P < 0.001), but no effect was found after adjustment for the increased reaction time. Pressure pain threshold on the jaw muscle was also reduced during N 2 O/O 2 inhalation ( P < 0.001), also after adjustment for reaction time ( P < 0.005). An effect was still found 10 min after the mask had been removed ( P = 0.03). No effect on VAS scores of discomfort from the tests could be found. Conclusions No analgesic effect of N 2 O/O 2 inhalation on pulp pain sensitivity was found, whereas an increased pressure pain threshold of jaw muscles was found.