For how many minutes should a patient be on oxygen after nitrous oxide is discontinued?

The appropriate duration for a patient to be on oxygen after the discontinuation of nitrous oxide is five minutes. This practice is vital to ensure that any residual effects of nitrous oxide are effectively eliminated from the patient's system. Nitrous oxide has a relatively quick onset of action and is also cleared rapidly; however, providing supplemental oxygen helps to facilitate the removal of nitrous oxide from the bloodstream, thus enhancing the patient's recovery and returning them to a state of full consciousness more safely. Additionally, using supplemental oxygen for this duration helps prevent hypoxia and ensures adequate oxygenation, particularly if the patient has been sedated. This protocol underscores the importance of patient safety and comfort following sedation dentistry procedures.