A Regulatory Look At Nitrous Oxide Delivery
Fear and anxiety remain prevalent among dental patients. These feelings are not only associated with specific dental procedures, but studies suggest that the mere thought of visiting the dentist or even sitting in the waiting room can ignite an anxious response.1,2 This fear and anxiety can stem from a variety of factors, including previous stressful or unpleasant experiences.2,3 Oral health professionals are charged with addressing and managing anxiety during dental treatment. The use of nitrous oxide is effective at addressing anxiety and fear in the dental setting. The first reported use of nitrous oxide in dentistry was in 1884, when Horace Wells, DDS, first demonstrated a “blue gassing” technique that involved the administration of pure nitrous oxide (N2O) delivered via the patient’s nose and mouth.1 When a patient turned just the right shade of blue, the gas was removed and the dental procedure was initiated.1 While Wells was credited for the initial use of N2O in dentistry, the administration technique has since evolved and includes simultaneous use of both nitrous oxide and oxygen gases (N2O-O2).
* References can be found in the original article via the link below.
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