Clinical Trial of Manual Reduction of Temporomandibular Joint Dislocation After Inhalation of Nitrous Oxide

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of inhaled nitrous oxide (N2O) for manual reduction of acute nontraumatic temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dislocation in the supine position technique. METHODS: This clinical trial included a total of 51 patients presenting with acute nontraumatic TMJ dislocation. The patients were grouped randomly. The supine position technique was applied in both N2O group (experimental group) and control group (without N2O). The visual analogue scale scores (VAS scores) of the pain perception and the operation time were recorded. RESULTS: All patients with dislocated mandible were successfully managed. The VAS scores of pain perception were significantly reduced in N2O group. It was 1.63 compared to 4.00 in control group. The average operation time was also significantly reduced in N2O group (Supplemental Digital Content, Table 2, http://links.lww.com/SCS/A716). It was 129.92 seconds compared to 170.04 seconds in control group. CONCLUSION: Inhalation of N2O helps to reduce the pain perception and the operation time of manual reduction of acute nontraumatic TMJ dislocation using the supine position technique. It is beneficial to both patients and doctors.