Nitrous oxide sedation: understanding the benefits and risks
1Department of Dental Hygiene, School of Dentistry, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver 80262, USA.
Abstract:
Nitrous oxide and oxygen is widely used for conscious sedation in dental offices. It can have benefits for patients who experience dental anxiety or are medically compromised and gain from the oxygen enrichment and stress reduction. Clinicians benefit when patients are cooperative and satisfied. There are a few patients for whom nitrous oxide would not be an optimum therapy. Chronic occupational exposure to low levels of nitrous oxide has several reproductive and health risks. Reducing the ambient concentrations is important.
Related Concept Videos
General Anesthesia: Overview
General anesthesia induces unconsciousness in the whole body, while the others target specific areas or sensations. It is administered to minimize adverse effects, maintain...
Stages of General Anesthesia
Parenteral Anesthetics: Overview
Inhalational Anesthetics: Overview
Sedatives and Hypnotics: Overview
Sedative-hypnotics are categorized into barbiturates, benzodiazepines (BZDs), and non-benzodiazepines or Z-drugs. These drugs work by suppressing central nervous system activity, and this suppression is dose-dependent. Older sedative medications, like barbiturates, follow a linear curve in...
Sedatives and Hypnotics Drugs: Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines work by enhancing the effects of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA. They bind to the GABAA receptor, increasing its affinity for GABA, which opens chloride...


