The recent advances in dentistry have significantly increased dentists’ ability to deliver comfortable and enjoyable dental treatment. Improved local anesthetics, dental materials, instruments, and sedatives have removed anxiety as an obstacle to dental care for many people. Because of its safety, effectiveness, and benefits, nitrous oxide is a popular choice for conscious sedation during many dental procedures.
To find out what we can do about your dental hygiene and pain free techniques schedule an appointment with Trident General Dentistry.
What Is Nitrous Oxide?
Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is a colorless and odorless gas used as a sedative during some medical and dental procedures. The desired anesthetic property of nitrous oxide was discovered by a dentist more than one hundred years ago. After perfecting the delivery technique, it became a popular dental sedative in the 1970s and has been used widely since then.
What Does Nitrous Oxide Do?
Nitrous oxide works on your central nervous system to produce calmness. Although it relieves anxiety, it does not cause you to fall asleep. This allows you to communicate with others while feeling general numbness, slight euphoria, and mildly lightheaded.
What Are The Benefits Of Nitrous Oxide?
The benefits of nitrous oxide for dental procedures include:
-
A long history of safe use.
-
A relaxation effect begins almost instantly and wears off quickly.
-
The ability to communicate during the procedure.
-
Effective sedation without a needle or pill.
-
Reducing or eliminating a gag reflex.
-
No lingering drowsiness.
Why Do Dentists Use Nitrous Oxide?
Most dental procedures require precision for a successful outcome. A nervous or anxious patient presents a challenge for a dentist because, typically, dentistry takes place without putting patients to sleep with general anesthesia. Several factors compound the problem, such as:
-
The need for long appointments for some procedures.
-
The anxiety created by past unfavorable dental experiences.
-
Certain conditions that make treatment difficult such as gagging, restlessness, and low pain threshold.
-
The inability to hold the mouth open due to jaw pain.
How Does A Dentist Use Nitrous Oxide?
We will give you specific instructions regarding your appointment and the use of nitrous oxide. Some general considerations include:
-
Do not eat a large meal for a couple of hours before your appointment to avoid nausea.
-
Inform us if you have consumed alcohol or any sedative in the past twenty-four hours.
-
Wear comfortable and loose-fitting clothes.
-
Do not wear contact lenses.
-
Wear minimal jewelry.
-
Reschedule your appointment if you have a head cold, nasal congestion, or upper respiratory infection.
-
Discuss any medications you take before receiving nitrous oxide.
-
Know that nitrous oxide is administered through a mask placed over your nose.
-
Breathe through your nose and minimize unnecessary talking during the procedure.
Do I Still Need Local Anesthetic With Nitrous Oxide?
Nitrous oxide provides relaxation, but it does not anesthetize your tooth. For most procedures that require local anesthetic, you will receive this after feeling the effects of nitrous oxide. Nitrous oxide effectively diminishes or eliminates any anxiety associated with a dental injection.
How Safe Is Nitrous Oxide?
Nitrous oxide is an effective and safe means of obtaining conscious sedation for dental procedures. However, certain conditions may present an excessive risk for its use. These include:
-
Pregnancy
-
Chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases
-
Some mental health conditions
-
Certain drug dependencies
-
Vitamin B12 deficiency
-
Cancer patients receiving bleomycin sulfate
-
Deficiency in methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase enzyme
Schedule An Appointment
We can help you with any concerns you have about dental treatment. Call today and schedule an appointment with Trident General Dentistry to learn about nitrous oxide and other means we use to help provide a relaxing dental experience.