Nitrous Oxide
Many women are anxious of getting local anaesthesia injections or with the dental drill used for the treatment. In such case nitrous oxide is
considered as the sedation agent of choice it helps the women with their anxiety and stress about the treatment.
Although, use of nitrous oxide should be avoided during the first trimester of pregnancy as during this period organogenesis takes place and it could be risky for the fetus (Piotrowski, 2023). It should also not be used in the third trimester as if the patient is too comfortable it might induce premature labor. Second trimester could be ideal period to get dental treatment done under sedation but only a lower concentration of nitrous oxide with 50% oxygen for less than 30 minutes may be adequate. Prolonged treatments should not be performed under the nitrous oxide exposure (Dental Health Services Victoria, 2020).
Prior to planning the dental treatment under nitrous oxide, it is recommended to check for any pulmonary concerns with the patient’s obstetrician or gynaecologist (Dental Health Services Victoria, 2020). The preferred choice for anaesthesia in pregnant and breastfeeding women should be local anaesthetics (lidocaine and prilocaine) as they are fast acting and do not pass through the lactating ducts which makes them safe for both pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Last updated: 2024 June 20Although, use of nitrous oxide should be avoided during the first trimester of pregnancy as during this period organogenesis takes place and it could be risky for the fetus (Piotrowski, 2023). It should also not be used in the third trimester as if the patient is too comfortable it might induce premature labor. Second trimester could be ideal period to get dental treatment done under sedation but only a lower concentration of nitrous oxide with 50% oxygen for less than 30 minutes may be adequate. Prolonged treatments should not be performed under the nitrous oxide exposure (Dental Health Services Victoria, 2020).
Prior to planning the dental treatment under nitrous oxide, it is recommended to check for any pulmonary concerns with the patient’s obstetrician or gynaecologist (Dental Health Services Victoria, 2020). The preferred choice for anaesthesia in pregnant and breastfeeding women should be local anaesthetics (lidocaine and prilocaine) as they are fast acting and do not pass through the lactating ducts which makes them safe for both pregnant and breastfeeding women.
References
Dental Health Services Victoria (2020) Management of the Pregnant Patient accessed 6 March 2024.
Piotrowski, B 2023, Pregnancy and Sedation Dentistry: Important Things to Know https://www.periodonticsnaples.com/pregnancy-and-sedation-dentistry-important-things-to-know.
Piotrowski, B 2023, Pregnancy and Sedation Dentistry: Important Things to Know https://www.periodonticsnaples.com/pregnancy-and-sedation-dentistry-important-things-to-know.