Nitrous Oxide Gas For those who experience a low level of fear or anxiety associated with the dentist, but still need help calming worries may benefit fromnitrous oxide. Commonly called “laughing gas,”nitrous oxide will help alleviate racing thoughts and concerns related to the dentist.
“Laughing gas” is a mild sedative. By inhaling a combination of nitrous oxide and oxygen you can achieve a pleasant, tingling sensation. Patients often listen to relaxing music with this method to help keep their mind and body relaxed further. The inhaling technique for administrating nitrous oxide makes it an ideal dental sedation option for people who fear needles. No injections, no needles and no IVs are necessary for effective sedation through nitrous oxide gas.
Patients who use nitrous oxide gas for their sedation dentistry remain aware of their surroundings at all times throughout the procedure. However, the mild sedative helps relax nerves and calm anxieties that may be accompanied with trips to the dentist.
Nitrous oxide gas works very quickly, and starts working within your brain to calm your mind within 3 minutes of administration. Another advantage of nitrous oxide gas is that the depth of the sedation can be adjusted at any time and from moment to moment. Complex or long dental procedures can benefit from the ability to increase and decrease the level of sedation with difficulty of the visit or oral surgery. This also ensures the safety of this dental sedation. Because the dentist and administrator has absolute control over the action and level of the drug at all times, the chances of overdose or over administration are virtually impossible.
You also can’t be allergic to nitrous oxide, and it has proven to be safe for patients suffering from epilepsy, liver disease, heart disease, diabetes, or cerebrovascular disease.
Unlike our other sedative options, patients that use nitrous oxide gas do not require an escort to drive them home. Nitrous oxide gas will leave your system quickly. In fact, the “laughing gas” and its effects will be completely eliminated from your body and mind with 3 to 5 minutes after the gas supply is stopped. You’ll be able to drive yourself home after your appointment without any dizziness or disorientation. Drop in for yourdentist’s appointment without fears or a full day of recovery.
