Inhalation sedation (relative analgesia) with oxygen/nitrous oxide gas mixtures: 2. Practical techniques

Inhalation sedation can be a remarkably safe and effective method of managing patients' anxiety. In the first part of this two-part article the author reviewed the principles of the procedure. In Part 2 he gives a detailed practical guide to the technique, incorporating the subtle changes that have been developed over the last ten years. In particular, current recommendations on patient assessment are described, and the clinical assessment of patients undergoing sedation is emphasized. The modern recommendations for monitoring are given, with emphasis placed on the need for clinical monitoring by both the dental surgeon and the dental surgery assistant. The need to exercise caution at all stages of administration of the technique is reiterated.