# Comparative assessment of pharmacological and nonpharmacological anxiety management in pediatric dentistry - An in vivo study

## TL;DR

This study compares drug-based and non-drug-based methods to reduce anxiety in children during dental procedures.

## Contribution

The study evaluates the effectiveness of N2O sedation and Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) for managing pediatric dental anxiety.

## Key findings

- N2O sedation was found to be the most effective for reducing anxiety in children.
- EFT emerged as a promising non-pharmacological alternative for anxiety management.
- Combining pharmacological and non-pharmacological techniques may optimize patient care.

## Abstract

The effectiveness of pharmacological and non-pharmacological anxiety management techniques in pediatric patients is of interest.
Sixty children (5-12 years) with Frankl negative behavior requiring local anesthesia for extraction were divided into four groups: Group
1 (N2O sedation), Group 2 (oral midazolam with fruit juice), Group 3 (EFT), and Group 4 (no sedation). Anxiety levels (VAS),
oxygen saturation, pulse rate (pulse oximeter), and blood pressure (sphygmomanometer) were measured. N2O sedation proved most
effective, with EFT being a promising non-pharmacological alternative. Combining both techniques can optimize pediatric patient
management.