For many adults, going to the dentist is considered a nerve-racking ordeal. Visiting the dentist doesn’t have to be unpleasant, but many fear that pain that may coincide with any dental treatment. This may be due to a previous unpleasant experience or simply a preconceived fear of going to the dentist. Nitrous oxide is a conscious sedation treatment that can assist in helping the dental patient feel calm and relaxed while the treatment is being performed. Also known as ‘laughing gas,’ this treatment helps both adults and children feel less anxious so the dentist can complete the treatment needed in a stress-free environment.
Safe and Effective Conscious Sedation
Research and studies have been conducted regarding nitrous oxide with such groups as the American Dental Association finding that the treatment option is safe for children and adults. The conscious sedation gas is used in conjunction with Oxygen by having the patient breathe through a small mask. Nitrous oxide is considered one of the safer forms of sedation for dental work and is tolerated well by most patients.
During the treatment, the patient will remain conscious and have the ability to function as normal while breathing the mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen. The patient will still be able to speak, having the capacity to respond to questions or requests by the dentist or dental assistant as the procedure takes place. Before providing this sedative option, the dentist will go over the information about the gas and answer any questions or concerns you may have.
Preparation Before Your Appointment
When you are taking nitrous oxide during your dental treatment, an appointment will be set up and recommendations made by the dentist for you to prepare. This may include limiting yourself to a lighter diet prior to your appointment as a full stomach can sometimes make the patient feel nauseous during the procedure.
Patients are also told by the dentist to inform them if respiratory conditions take place during the treatment. If any difficulty happens with breathing through the nose, alternative actions may need to be made. If you have a stuffy nose due to allergies or other issues, the effectiveness of the nitrous oxide may be limited.
It is also important to inform the dentist of any medications you may be taking, or your child may be taking when having dental work completed with the assistance of nitrous oxide.
Effects
When you arrive at your appointment, you will be fitted with a breathing device and given time to relax while the nitrous oxide begins to take effect. The effects are almost immediate, and you will begin to smell a faint sweet smell and begin to feel very relaxed. You may also feel giddy or happy, with some patients reporting that they feel tingly in their legs and arms.
The effect of the gas wears off quickly, usually within just a few minutes after the gas is no longer flowing. Adults can easily drive themselves back home or to work after treatment when using nitrous oxide.
For all your dental needs, contact Regent Dental. We value top quality dentistry and specialize in meeting your family dental needs including quality cleanings and restorative treatments. Regent Dental offers nitrous oxide for patients who are nervous about treatment or feel they need extra help in dealing with pain management or anxiety.
