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Inhalational Anesthetics: Overview

Inhalation anesthetics are drugs that induce general anesthesia upon inhalation. They work by increasing the sensitivity of GABAA receptors or inhibiting NMDA receptors, leading to a decrease in central nervous system activity. The depth of anesthesia can be rapidly adjusted by changing the concentration of the inhaled gas. Some common examples of inhalational anesthetics include volatile liquids like isoflurane, desflurane, sevoflurane and gases like xenon and nitrous oxide. Isoflurane, a...

Parenteral Anesthetics: Overview

Parenteral Anesthetics: Overview

Intravenous anesthetics are drugs administered parenterally to induce anesthesia or sedation. Propofol is a widely used agent formulated as a 1% emulsion in soybean oil, glycerol, and egg phosphatide. It induces rapid anesthesia primarily due to its rapid distribution from the bloodstream to target tissues and is metabolized in the liver. However, it can cause significant pain on injection and hypertriglyceridemia. Fospropofol, a water-based prodrug of propofol, lacks these adverse effects.

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Melatonin congeners like ramelteon (Rozerem) and tasimelteon (Hetlioz) selectively bind to melatonin receptors (MT1 and MT2) and thus mimic the actions of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. Tasimelteon is primarily used for non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder, common in blind patients. They are also used to treat conditions like insomnia...

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Journal of dental education·2017

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Nitrous oxide and oxygen sedation: an update.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 8, 2026

Recording Brain Electromagnetic Activity During the Administration of the Gaseous Anesthetic Agents Xenon and Nitrous Oxide in Healthy Volunteers

Recording Brain Electromagnetic Activity During the Administration of the Gaseous Anesthetic Agents Xenon and Nitrous Oxide in Healthy Volunteers

Published on: January 13, 2018

Nitrous oxide and oxygen sedation: an update.

Ann Brunick¹, Morris Clark

¹Department of Dental Hygiene, University of South Dakota, USA.

Dental Assistant (Chicago, Ill. : 1994)

|September 22, 2010

Summary

Nitrous oxide/oxygen (N2O/O2) sedation is a safe and effective dental pain management tool with numerous benefits and few risks. Proper training and awareness of safety protocols are essential for dental teams utilizing this widely accepted anesthetic method.

Area of Science:

Dentistry
Anesthesiology
Public Health

Background:

Nitrous oxide/oxygen (N2O/O2) sedation is a well-established technique for managing dental anxiety and pain.
Its long history demonstrates a strong safety record and efficacy in clinical practice.
Understanding and mitigating operator exposure to N2O/O2 is crucial for workplace safety.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the safety and efficacy of N2O/O2 sedation in dentistry.
To highlight the importance of operator safety and team education regarding N2O/O2 use.
To emphasize the evolving regulatory landscape concerning dental assistants' roles in N2O/O2 administration.

Main Methods:

Literature review of scientific studies on N2O/O2 sedation.
Analysis of safety protocols and contraindications.

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 8, 2026

Recording Brain Electromagnetic Activity During the Administration of the Gaseous Anesthetic Agents Xenon and Nitrous Oxide in Healthy Volunteers

Recording Brain Electromagnetic Activity During the Administration of the Gaseous Anesthetic Agents Xenon and Nitrous Oxide in Healthy Volunteers

Published on: January 13, 2018

Examination of state practice acts related to dental anesthesia.

Main Results:

N2O/O2 sedation offers significant advantages for patient comfort and anxiety reduction.
Few contraindications exist, making it a broadly applicable sedation method.
Operator exposure minimization and comprehensive team education are key safety considerations.

Conclusions:

N2O/O2 sedation will likely remain a staple in dental practices due to its proven safety and success.
Continuous education on N2O/O2 biohazard issues and safety is imperative for all dental staff.
Dental professionals must stay informed about state-specific regulations regarding N2O/O2 administration and monitoring.