This comprehensive review of nitrous oxide – oxygen minimal sedation is presented as an interactive program describing the role and benefit of this modality in dental practice. Protocols for integration into a new office will be discussed as well as pearls for introducing this modality into an existing and busy clinical practice. Since patient safety is our number one concern, and there has never been a reported mortality in a dental office while using nitrous oxide – oxygen sedation as the sole sedative while dentistry is being performed, this inhalational agent has seen a resurgence in use. In fact, pain and anxiety relief utilizing nitrous oxide – oxygen minimal sedation is considered one of the greatest achievements in dentistry, comparable to the fluoridation of water and the development of local anesthetics. It remains the most versatile inhalational agent used of all inhalational agents and plays a key role in both dental and medical practice. 

• Describe the continuum of consciousness and understand where Nitrous Oxide – Oxygen Minimal Sedation may fit in your treatment paradigm.
• List the characteristics of the ideal sedative for in-office use.
• Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of different sedation modalities and why Nitrous Oxide – Oxygen Minimal Sedation may be considered ideal.
• Understand the safety mechanisms developed for Nitrous Oxide – Oxygen Minimal Sedation and how to troubleshoot potential problems.
• Match the right drug at the right dose to the right patient for the right procedure.

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.