What is a key benefit of nitrous oxide in dentistry?

A key benefit of nitrous oxide in dentistry is the quick recovery times for patients. Nitrous oxide is an inhalational sedative that allows for a rapid onset of sedation and a similarly fast return to baseline alertness once the gas is discontinued. This means that patients can resume their normal activities soon after the dental procedure, making it an attractive option for managing anxiety during treatments.

Immediate and complete anesthesia, while a desirable feature, is not accurate for nitrous oxide, as it primarily provides sedation rather than full anesthesia. Additionally, longer procedure times and restrictions on movement are generally not benefits of nitrous oxide; rather, the goal is to facilitate a smooth and efficient treatment experience without prolonged recovery or immobilization.