Abstract |
The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of various concentrations of N2O/O2 on obtunding a hypersensitive gag reflex. We hypothesized that the administration of nitrous oxide and oxygen would obtund a hypersensitive gag reflex enough to allow a patient to tolerate the placement and holding of a digital x-ray sensor long enough to obtain a dental radiograph. Volunteers claiming to have a hypersensitive gag reflex were first screened to validate their claim and then tested by placing a size 2 digital x-ray sensor in the position for a periapical radiograph of the right mandibular molar area and holding it in place for 10 seconds. Subjects were first tested using room air only, then 30%, 50%, or 70% nitrous oxide until they were able to tolerate the sensor without gagging or discomfort. A visual analog scale was used for subjective responses, and other statistical tests were used to analyze the results. We found that for some subjects, 30% nitrous oxide was sufficient; for others, 50% was needed; and for the remainder of the subjects, 70% was sufficient to tolerate the test. Using a combination of 70% nitrous oxide and 30% oxygen allowed all patients claiming to have a hypersensitive gag reflex to tolerate the placement and holding of a digital x-ray sensor long enough to take a periapical radiograph.
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Authors | Candace K E De Veaux, Thomas A Montagnese, Masahiro Heima, Anita Aminoshariae, Andre Mickel |
Journal | Anesthesia progress
(Anesth Prog)
Vol. 63
Issue 4
Pg. 181-184
( 2016)
ISSN: 0003-3006 [Print] United States |
PMID | 27973941
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
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Chemical References |
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Topics |
- Adult
- Aged
- Female
- Gagging
(physiology)
- Humans
- Hypersensitivity
(physiopathology)
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Nitrous Oxide
(administration & dosage)
- Oxygen
(administration & dosage)
- Prospective Studies
- Visual Analog Scale
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