title: The effects of conscious sedation with nitrous oxide/oxygen on cognitive functions.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of conscious sedation with 40% nitrous oxide/oxygen (N2O/O2) on cognitive functions.
  
  
  METHODS
  Forty dental patients referred to the sedation unit at Gazi University Faculty of Dentistry Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery received a combination of 40% N2O/O2 inhalation for conscious sedation. Psychometric tests were applied three times: before sedation, during sedation, and at the end of the recovery, for assessing cognitive functions.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The results of this study showed that the 40% N2O/O2 combination impaired cognitive functions during the conscious sedation. Recovery of most of the cognitive functions occurred 15 min after sedation. However, in addition to the persistence of 'hypnotic effects' and 'sensations of isolation' during the recovery period, 'motor loss value' showed more cognitive impairment 15 min after sedation than before the sedation period, and, thus, the ability to execute fine motor skills was not totally recovered by then.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results of this study could be crucial for informing patients about avoiding attentive activities soon after conscious sedation via 40% N2O/O2.
authors: Oral Surgery Clinic, 75. Yıl Oral and Dental Health Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.
authors: Sara
authors: S
authors: Samur Ergüven
authors: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey.
authors: Ertan Ali
authors: EA
authors: Delilbaşi
authors: Department of Anesthesiology and Reanimation, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey.
authors: Berrin
authors: B
authors: İşik
authors: Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey.
authors: Ferhunde
authors: F
authors: Öktem
mesh_terms: D018685:Anesthetics, Inhalation; D003071:Cognition; D016292:Procedural Sedation; D006801:Humans; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D009609:Nitrous Oxide; D010100:Oxygen
chemical_list: D018685:Anesthetics, Inhalation; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D009609:Nitrous Oxide; D010100:Oxygen
keywords: Cognitive symptoms; conscious sedation; nitrous oxide