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Patient Understanding
There are some frequently asked questions associated with nitrous oxide sedation and it is important that the patient be fully informed before determining whether or not to be sedated. Patients are often concerned about whether or not they will be able to drive home after their procedure. One of the characteristics of nitrous that makes it so ideal for use in a dental setting is its short recovery time. After the procedure is finished, the nitrous should be turned off leaving the patient breathing 100% oxygen. This should continue for 3-5 minutes to help avoid the onset of diffusion hypoxia and to clear the nitrous oxide from the lungs. After this time period, the patient should be returned to an upright position and allowed to sit in this manner for an additional couple of minutes. By this time the patient should be feeling "normal" again and should be fine to drive home. Naturally, the recovery time differs from patient to patient so communication will help determine when a patient is fit to leave the operatory. Another common patient concern is the level of sedation. Many patients are under the impression that they are being put to sleep. It is important that patients understand that they will be aware of all that is going on and will remain in total control during the procedure. Patients also must understand that nitrous oxide, though able to make a procedure more comfortable, is not a replacement for administration of local anesthetic. Nitrous oxide sedation may or may not be covered by insurance and the additional cost to the patient, if any, should be discussed prior to treatment.
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Nitrous Oxide Use
