Effect of supplemental oxygen on transcutaneous PO2 of patients undergoing surgical removal of third molars.

Sixty patients undergoing third molar removal were used to evaluate the efficacy of supplemental oxygen administration when administered via nasal cannula or nasal mask. Arterial oxygen concentration was estimated by transcutaneous oxygen measurement. Both methods of oxygen administration resulted in increased levels of oxygen during surgery, with the nasal mask being more effective than the nasal cannula for raising oxygen levels. Intravenous premedication with the combination of diazepam and fentanyl resulted in less increase in oxygen levels. These findings suggest that oxygen supplementation during oral surgery with intravenous premedication is effective for maintaining adequate oxygenation.