Nitrous oxide is the lightest form of sedation in dentistry and has an excellent safety profile. It consists of a mixture of oxygen and nitrous oxide that is delivered to the child through a nosepiece. The gas has a sweet odor to it and has proven an excellent adjunct to television in treating children. Under Nitrous Oxide sedation the patient is awake, responsive, and the protective reflexes remain intact.
Benefits and effects of Nitrous Oxide:
- Creates a slight euphoric carefree feeling
- Reduces anxiety
- Mild analgesic (pain reduction)
- Reduces gag reflex
- Extremely fast acting and recovery
- Widely used and has very safe history of use
Most common adverse effects:
- Dizziness, Nausea, or vomiting (about 1%)
- Headache (very rare with oxygen administration at end of treatment)