Nitrous oxide-induced myeloneuropathy: report of cases.

The development of neurologic symptoms, especially a myeloneuropathy, remains a serious hazard of nitrous oxide exposure. The need to use it in a well-ventilated environment with a scavenger system and the avoidance of its self-use are clear from the cases reported. The findings of the questionnaire disclose that the majority of dentists have experienced none of these problems while using nitrous oxide in a professional manner; however, self-use of nitrous oxide, with its potential neurologic sequelae, may be a serious problem among dental personnel.