CONSCIOUS INHALATION SEDATION WITH NITROUS OXIDE IN THE MANAGEMENT OF SEVERE ANXIETY AND DENTAL PHOBIA

Abstract

This study analyzed the clinical applicability of inhalational conscious sedation with nitrous oxide in the management of severe anxiety and dental phobia, conditions that compromise adherence to dental treatment and contribute to the deterioration of oral health. The objective was to understand how this technique helps reduce anxiety manifestations, increase clinical safety, and ensure therapeutic continuity. This is a qualitative literature review conducted in the PubMed, LILACS, SciELO, and Virtual Health Library databases, covering publications from 2000 to 2025. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 17 studies were selected for analysis. The results demonstrated that dental anxiety and dental phobia constitute relevant barriers to care, frequently associated with treatment avoidance and worsening of oral conditions. It was evidenced that nitrous oxide promotes anxiolysis, relaxation, and patient cooperation, while maintaining consciousness, protective reflexes, and physiological stability. In addition, it presents rapid onset, safe titration, brief recovery, and high clinical predictability. It is concluded that inhalational conscious sedation represents an effective and safe strategy for patients with severe anxiety or dental phobia, favoring treatment adherence, reducing complications resulting from delayed care, improving the dental experience, and contributing to more humanized, predictable, long-lasting, and satisfactory clinical outcomes.