title: Current status of nitrous oxide as a behavior management practice routine in pediatric dentistry.
abstract: Nitrous oxide (N(2)O) as a behavioral management intervention in children has attained an excellent safety record and is, therefore, used widely. As is true of any diagnostic or therapeutic dental intervention, however, its usage merits periodic review, even if-or particularly  when-it is routinely applied. For example, when N(2)O is used in combination with other sedatives, such polypharmacy can produce potentially serious side effects. There are also bioenvironmental risks to patients and staff if ambient air is not properly monitored. Using historical  publications, current empirical articles, professional usage policies, and educational textbooks, the purpose of this article was to review indications and contraindications of N(2)O and discuss various factors that should or should not be considered about its use in the United States.  Even though today's parents may be more accepting of pharmacologic approaches such as N(2)O, the choice to use it should always be made with the child's best interest in mind.
authors: Department of Pediatric Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Creighton Uuniversity, Omaha, NE, USA. nicholaslevering@creighton.edu
authors: Nicholas J
authors: NJ
authors: Levering
authors: Jos V M
authors: JV
authors: Welie
mesh_terms: D000766:Anesthesia, Dental / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D018685:Anesthetics, Inhalation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D032763:Behavior Control / Q000379:methods*; D002648:Child; D016292:Procedural Sedation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D019140:Dental Care for Children; D006801:Humans; D009609:Nitrous Oxide / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects; D010377:Pediatric Dentistry; D018570:Risk Assessment
chemical_list: D018685:Anesthetics, Inhalation; D009609:Nitrous Oxide