Nitrous oxide – oxygen inhalation sedation continues to be the safest modality dentists have in providing in office sedation. As the late Dr. John Yageila is often quoted, “there has never been a death in a dental office, while dentistry is being done and nitrous oxide is the sole sedative being used.” Unfortunately, while we know the drug is safe in the episodic care of patients, some dental staff continue to be erroneously informed that they could suffer health risks from chronic, occupational exposure.  This program debunks that myth.

Objectives to be covered: 

• Discuss the challenges with some of the early animal studies investigating the safety of nitrous oxide
• Understand the clinical significance of a well-fitting nose-piece or mask
• Learn how to keep your office safe with a checklist from the ADA Advisory Panel on nitrous oxide safety
• Recognize the proposed biochemical pathway in which nitrous oxide could be associated with teratogenicity
• Appreciate the overall safety of nitrous oxide – oxygen inhalational sedation and how to counsel and advise staff on measuring and minimizing any potential occupational exposure

The speaker declares that neither he nor any member of his family has a financial arrangement or affiliation with any corporate offering financial support of grant monies for this CE program. Although commercially available products may be discussed, no financial arrangements exist between those companies and the speaker.