Laughing Gas
Sedation dentistry is a wonderful new aspect of modern dentistry that would help patients feel completely relaxed throughout their dental appointments.
This treatment option can help those with dental anxiety.
The gas (a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen) is administered by inhaling a sweet, pleasant aroma through a nasal mask.
Laughing gas is considered a form of “conscious sedation” because patients will still be awake, but they will feel relaxed.
Conscious sedation can be utilized for anything, from a simple dental cleaning or filling to more complex and lengthier treatments.
It is a technique that can be very beneficial for people with a strong gag reflex and who struggle to comfortably receive dental treatment; especially when a dental impression or x-rays are needed.
You might want to choose this option if you have very sensitive teeth, or even if you find it difficult to sit still in the dental chair.
Conscious sedation can help patients of all ages including children and people with special needs.
Nitrous oxide isn’t an analgesic, so you will definitely still need a local anesthetic, but even if you are afraid of injections, you’ll find you won’t mind because you’re feeling so deeply relaxed.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry endorses the use of nitrous oxide/oxygen inhalation therapy as a safe and effective technique to reduce anxiety and decrease pain in children.
Additionally, it’s important to remember that modern techniques for administering dental injections provide a far more comfortable experience and usually, a numbing gel is used on the gum to minimize discomfort further.
During treatment, you will still be able to speak to us and you’ll always know what’s going on around you. This means you will still be in control during treatment which can be enormously be reassuring for many nervous people.
Once the treatment is over your body soon eliminates the nitrous oxide so you will be back to normal in no time, and most people only require 1-2 minutes rest in the dental chair. Nitrous oxide is the only form of conscious sedation where you can drive yourself home after the procedure. Afterwards, you shouldn’t feel any ill-effects from the laughing gas.