Nitrous oxide may be used to alleviate dental anxiety and to diminish or
eliminate dental pain. The benefit of nitrous oxide sedation is a cooperative
and satisfied patient. By reducing the patient's perception of pain it allows
them to relax and cooperate during dental procedures. However, the dental
surgery personnel, chronically exposed to N₂O, are at serious risk.
The chronic effects of occupational exposure to nitrous oxide have long been the
subject of debate. Safety standards have been established in the United States
and Europe since many years. The potential detrimental action on the
reproductive, neurological, haematological, hepatic and renal systems, plus the
possibility of increased cancer risk have been the subject of active research,
although absolute occupational effects are still uncertain. To provide a safer
work-place for those at risk of exposure to waste anesthetic gases, preventive
measures are recommended.