Providing Conscious Sedation

By Diana B. Aboytes, RDH, MS and Jason R. Flores, DDS, RN, DADBA, DNDBA, FADSA

Nitrous oxide (N₂O) is a colorless, nonflammable, low potency anesthetic gas administered in combination with oxygen (O₂) to provide minimal and moderate levels of conscious sedation in the dental office. Its chemical formula is N₂O and it has been used in dentistry for more than 150 years. It is odorless, nonallergenic, and innocuous when adequate oxygen is concurrently administered. As such, N₂O will not irritate the pulmonary epithelium when inhaled, making it a great option in many dental specialties.^1–4

* References can be found in the original article via the link below.
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