Preschool children and relative analgesia: satisfaction grading through a verbal questionnaire.

Aim: The aim of the study was to assess 100 preschool children's satisfaction grading of relative analgesia (RA) after completing dental treatment by collecting their opinion on this technique through a verbal questionnaire.

Methods: After completing dental care a simple verbal questionnaire (3 questions) was administered by the operator. The questionnaire investigated: 1) patient's satisfaction about the sedation treatment; 2) patient's agreement to re-experiment the technique and 3) patient's emotions while sedated. Moreover, following treatment, each child was invited to make a drawing on the experience.

Results: Data obtained were classified in 3 groups: group 1 (87% of children) appreciated RA and would agree to repeat the experience; group 2 (4% of the sample) did not answer the verbal questionnaire and group 3 (9%) did not enjoy the sedation technique. Only 15 children completed a drawing; conducting a psychological analysis through C.R. Rogers' theory of Person Centred Approach coupled with the handwriting analysis methodology defined by Girolamo Moretti, positive features were found in the majority of the drawings (13 out of 15).

Conclusion: The majority (87%) of the sample appreciated to experience nitrous oxide inhalation sedation and would undergo a further appointment under RA.