Nitrous Oxide Sedation – I’ll give you gas and you’ll like it

For various reasons, some people suffer from some sort of anxiety when coming to their dentist.  For these people, the anxiety can sometimes be so overwhelming that they avoid going at all.

If you’ve had that problem, or you would like your dental visits to be more pleasant, sedation can often provide the relief that you seek.  One of the most common (and safest) methods of sedation for routine dentistry is the use of Nitrous Oxide.

Commonly known as laughing gas, this post gives a primer on what it is, and what it can do for you.

What is Nitrous Oxide?

Nitrous Oxide is a colorless, odorless gas that very quickly begins to produce relaxation (laughter also in some patients), and is comparable to having had two martinis.

Nitrous Oxide sedation is a very safe method of sedation, and is very effective for mild to moderate anxiety. The patient remains conscious the entire time and is just comfortably relaxed.

Nitrous Oxide sedation is great for children who may be nervous and is also helpful to reduce an overactive gag reflex.

What is the Process?

At the start of the appointment, the Nitrous Oxide gas is slowly introduced by inhalation. The entire time, there will be oxygen mixed in with the Nitrous Oxide at a higher concentration than normal room air, so there will always be adequate oxygen.

We gradually increase the concentration of Nitrous Oxide until the patient reports feeling comfortable and relaxed.  Once reaching that concentration, we will maintain it until the end of the appointment, or until the user feels that he/she would like to change it or turn it off.  Throughout the procedure, we will continue to confirm that the effect is still pleasant.

What is the Recovery Time?

Recovery from the Nitrous Oxide is within minutes of the procedure with no hangover effect, which means there is no need to be driven back home and there is no need to take time off work.

What is the Cost for Using Nitrous Oxide Sedation?

Cost is calculated based on duration of sedation, so it can be used for periods of time shorter than the entire appointment (for example, if anxiety is with needles, the Nitrous Oxide can be used just for the period of time that the needles are given, and turned off afterwards).

Prior to your appointment we will do an evaluation and ensure that there has been nothing to eat or drink (except water) four hours prior to the appointment.

If you have any questions about Nitrous Oxide Sedation, please contact me at 705.721.1143 or visit my website at https://www.drelstonwong.com/