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How to use nitrous oxide safely and responsibly in dental procedures
Nitrous oxide and oxygen (N2O/O2) in combination have been used safely and successfully for over 160 years to assist in the management of pain and anxiety. Dr. Horace Wells, a dentist in the early 180Os, dedicated his life to promoting its use for both dental and medical procedures. Because of his persistence in advocating the use of nitrous oxide as a method of pain control, he was posthumously recognized as the "Discoverer of Anesthesia." Since that time, N2O/O2 has been commonly used in many dental specialties. Other health disciplines have also benefited.
In many instances, patients present to medical and dental offices with both pain and anxiety. It is necessary to manage both, since they are interrelated. Nitrous oxide and oxygen sedation can assist patients with their pain and anxiety and can be employed safely and effectively with minimal concerns.
This course will teach the desirable characteristics of nitrous oxide, indications and contraindications for N2O/O2 use as well as facts and myths surrounding chronic exposure to nitrous oxide, the biologic effects associated with high levels of the gas, and ways to assess and minimize trace gas contamination in an outpatient setting.
ADVANTAGES
Nitrous oxide/oxygen sedation offers many advantages over other sedation methods or pharmacological agents. The properties of nitrous oxide allow it to provide pain relief while simultaneously reducing anxiety. This action happens within a short period of time. The drug can be titrated, which means the patient is given incremental amounts over time until the desired level of sedation is achieved. This allows for the greatest level of patient comfort and safety. Elimination of nitrous oxide from the body occurs as rapidly as the induction. Patients are fully recovered following N2O/O2 sedation because all but an insignificant amount of drug is expelled from the lungs within minutes after the nitrous oxide is discontinued. These characteristics make it a desirable agent for practitioners.
In addition to these ideal characteristics, N2O/O2 sedation can be used on most patients with minimal side effects. Patients of any age can be given nitrous oxide and oxygen. In addition to relieving pain and anxiety, N2O/O2 sedation works very well at calming a hypersensitive gag reflex that can...