SIOI Policy on nitrous oxide/oxygen anxiolysis in Paediatric Dentistry

Aim: The Italian Society of Paediatric Dentistry (SIOI) is committed to encourage all dental practitioners to provide safe and updated prevention and treatment strategies for oral diseases in paediatric patients. SIOI promotes quality communication and information to parents and caregivers for prevention and awareness of oral diseases in the paediatric population. The purpose of this SIOI Policy is to provide dental professionals with comprehensive guidance on effective use of nitrous oxide/oxygen analgesia/anxiolysis for children, ensuring that treatment decisions are based on the latest and highestquality scientific evidence. Methods: This Policy is based on a review of current highestquality literature, including systematic reviews, meta-analyses, recommendations, manuscripts and best practices published over the last 20 years. An extensive search was conducted using Pubmed® /MEDLINE, including the following parameters: nitrous oxide, oxygen, anxiolysis, relative analgesia, dental fear, anxiety, child. Papers for review were chosen from the list of articles and manuscripts which met the criteria and from references, within the selected articles and manuscripts. Recommendations were also based upon expert and consensus opinion by experienced researchers and clinicians.