The enduring value of nitrous oxide in the dental setting is the subject of an article published in the September issue of Inside Dentistry by Michael Silverman, DMD. Dr. Silverman is the president and co-founder of DOCS Education, based in Seattle, Washington. DOCS Education is a continuing education organization for dentists and their staff throughout North America. The enduring value of nitrous oxide in the dental setting is the subject of an article published in the September issue of Inside Dentistry by Michael Silverman, DMD. Dr. Silverman is the president and co-founder of DOCS Education, based in Seattle, Washington. DOCS Education is a continuing education organization for dentists and their staff throughout North America. Despite the fact that it was first used in dentistry over 150 years ago, the mechanism of nitrous remains poorly understood, Dr. Silverman writes. By the same token, he adds, the action of nitrous oxide/oxygen in concert with modern sedatives has been studied over many decades. The result is a highly enviable safety profile suitable for a wide variety of patients. The pairing of single-dose sedatives with nitrous oxide/oxygen sedation deepens the effects of each agent and does so without unwanted consequences, the article states. Despite this remarkable record every patient’s medical history should be carefully assessed, including chronic conditions, system abnormalities and known allergies or previous adverse reactions. The article also details contraindications for nitrous oxide/oxygen sedation. Among the other areas Dr. Silverman’s article discusses are red flags, airway protection, patient monitoring and scavenging systems. As public awareness and demand for pain control climb, so does the practicality of a safe and economic approach, the article concludes. Read the article here, or sign up to attend DOCS Education’s Nitrous Oxide and the Single-Dose Sedative course, available at locations around the United States. Next in Incisor: How does today’s drug shortage affect your dental practice?
