Nitrous Oxide West Caldwell, NJ

History of Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide was originally discovered in 1772 and, according to the National Library of Medicine database, it has been used by dentists for anesthesia for almost 180 years. It is a combination of two nitrogen molecules and one oxygen molecule, which is how it got its name.

What to Expect When Receiving Nitrous Oxide

Before the sedation procedure, a dentist will review a patient’s medical history to ensure eligibility. A dentist will then place a mask over the patient’s nose. During the treatment, a mixture of gasses will flow through the nasal mask as patients breathe regularly through their nose. Patients will be asked to limit their talking and mouth breathing so that the medication can have its proper effect.

Patients may feel light-headed or tired during the procedure, and they may feel that their arms and legs are tingly or heavy. Less commonly, patients may feel nauseous or vomit. This is very rare and can be resolved with the administration of oxygen gas. After the nitrous oxide gas is stopped, dentists will administer pure oxygen through the mask for a few more minutes to minimize post-treatment side effects, such as headaches.

Sedation Safety Measures And Eligibility

According to the American Dental Association, dental practices have a safeguard mechanism on their nitrous oxide delivery systems to ensure a highly safe and effective process. Many dentists also use additional monitoring of vital signs throughout the procedure.

Children who are eligible to receive nitrous oxide include:

• Those with fear, anxiety, or behavioral difficulties that interfere with carrying out dental procedures
• Those who may have an unpredictable reaction to dental procedures
• Those with a highly sensitive gag reflex
• Patients who do not tolerate other forms of anesthesia

According to the AAPD, patients who are ineligible to receive nitrous oxide include those with the following medical conditions:

• Chronic pulmonary disease
• Upper respiratory infections
• Recent middle ear problems or operations
• Bleomycin sulfate therapy
• Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) enzyme deficiency
• Vitamin B12 deficiency

Special Needs During Sedation With Nitrous Oxide

When it comes to sedation with nitrous oxide, patients should be able to tolerate wearing a nasal mask, selectively breathe through their nose, and communicate throughout the procedure. If the patient may have difficulty with this treatment, we can help determine the most effective course of action with them and the parent during a consultation.

Types of Sedation

Nitrous oxide is a safe and effective form of light sedation, and it is the focus of this current discussion. However, for more severe dental treatments or procedures, a dentist may use another form of sedation. Some procedures may require sedative medications administered via oral ingestion or a type of medicine injected through an intravenous line. Other procedures may require general anesthesia. Dentists are qualified to provide sedation with nitrous oxide and different kinds of sedation. They will work with patients to determine what type of treatment best suits each individual’s needs.

What to Expect Following Sedation

After sedation with nitrous oxide, patients do not generally have any lingering effects. In some patients, muscle coordination or attention may be decreased for a few minutes after sedation, according to the California Dental Association. Patients may notice a different "mouth feel” depending on what type of procedure they have undergone, but they will quickly adjust to the new sensations. If patients who have received sedation with nitrous oxide have other concerns following the procedure or are experiencing side effects, parents should contact their dentist immediately for further instruction.