The Journal of the American Dental Association
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An estimated 35 million Americans experience significant apprehension about dental procedures, while an additional 10 to 12 million are considered to be "dental phobic" and avoid needed dental care altogether. Nitrous oxide is a general anesthetic used at subanesthetic concentrations to reduce anxiety during dental procedures. The purpose of this study was to characterize mood changes during nitrous oxide inhalation in patients with different levels of preoperative dental anxiety. ⋯ Regardless of their preoperative anxiety level, patients experienced a number of mood-altering effects during nitrous oxide inhalation, the majority of which could be considered pleasant. Ratings of an unpleasant nature decreased markedly in patients with high anxiety. These findings suggest that nitrous oxide may be an effective therapy in reducing patient anxiety during dental procedures.