Inhalation Sedation

Inhalation sedation is a method of conscious sedation that uses inhaled medication, typically nitrous oxide mixed with oxygen delivered through a nasal mask or hood, to depress the central nervous system enough for a surgeon or dentist to operate while the patient stays conscious, responsive to verbal commands and keeps protective reflexes. It is used for patients with dental anxiety or phobia, for prolonged or traumatic dental procedures, and for patients with stress sensitive conditions such as heart disease, hypertension, asthma or epilepsy, or with behavioral or medical conditions that limit cooperation. Complications are rare but can include over sedation, respiratory depression, airway obstruction and vomiting, and modern equipment includes safety features such as an oxygen fail safe that only allows nitrous oxide to flow when enough oxygen is present.