What is Nitrous Oxide?
Nitrous oxide is a very effective means of providing sedation to nervous patients, and its moniker “laughing gas” makes it an unintimidating choice for many over oral medication. Your Onslow County dentists will explain how nitrous oxide works to keep you calm and comfortable during dental procedures. Below, we’ve outlined how nitrous oxide functions in the body and its many benefits during treatments like dental implants and cosmetic dentistry.
Nitrous oxide is a colorless, nonflammable, odorless gas delivered into the nasal passage via a nose hood. It is administered throughout your entire appointment, and our dentists and assistants will closely monitor the nitrous to ensure you remain calm and at ease during the procedure. Shortly after the initial administration, you will likely feel your mood elevated with a general sense of well-being. Laughing gas relieves anxiety and reduces pain, allowing you to feel more relaxed during your dental procedure. Some mild side effects, like numbness or tingling, may occur, but they are rare and very mild.
The best part about nitrous oxide is that it wears off quickly. Unlike oral conscious sedation, which requires someone to drive you to and from your appointment, nitrous oxide allows you to drive yourself home afterward, as the side effects dissipate rapidly.
Your dentist will consider certain things before administration to determine the right amount for you:
- Your height and weight
- Your general health
- Whether or not you’ve had experience with nitrous prior
- What other drugs you may be taking
- Your height and weight
- Your general health
- Whether or not you’ve had experience with nitrous prior
- What other drugs you may be taking
We will monitor your reaction to the nitrous oxide throughout your dental appointment, and you will be alert and able to answer questions and respond to directions.
Benefits of Nitrous Oxide
- Anxiety and Stress Reduction: Nitrous oxide is highly effective in reducing anxiety, helping patients feel calm and relaxed during procedures. This is especially helpful for those undergoing dental implants or cosmetic treatments like veneers or teeth whitening.
- Pain Management: Nitrous oxide enhances the effectiveness of local anesthesia, providing an additional layer of pain relief. This helps minimize discomfort during procedures such as tooth extractions, dental implants, or cosmetic work.
- Quick Onset and Recovery: Nitrous oxide works rapidly, reaching the brain within 20 seconds. Relaxation and pain-killing effects begin in just a few minutes. It wears off quickly, allowing patients to resume normal activities immediately after their appointment, making it ideal for both dental implants and shorter cosmetic procedures.
- Improved Cooperation: By keeping patients calm and comfortable, nitrous oxide helps improve cooperation during more complex or lengthy procedures, whether it’s a dental implant placement or a smile makeover.
- Minimal Sedation with No After-Effects: Unlike other sedation options, nitrous oxide doesn’t leave you groggy afterward. It allows you to remain conscious and aware throughout the procedure, with no lingering after-effects, making it an excellent choice for those who need to drive after the appointment.
- No Impact on Heart or Lungs: Nitrous oxide is safe and doesn’t affect the heart or lungs, making it a safe sedation choice for most patients undergoing dental work, including cosmetic dentistry and dental implants.
- Effective Gagging Control: Nitrous oxide is also effective in minimizing gag reflex, which can be especially helpful for patients undergoing dental procedures that require a long time in the mouth, such as placing dental implants or cosmetic treatments.
- Amnesia Effect: Nitrous oxide has an amnesia effect, meaning many patients have only a vague recollection of the procedure afterward. This is particularly beneficial for those who may feel nervous about the dental work performed.
- Customized Dosage: The level of sedation can be adjusted during the procedure, allowing the dentist to increase or decrease the amount of nitrous oxide as needed to ensure maximum comfort throughout the treatment.
Common Procedures Used with Sedation
Sedation dentistry can be used in a variety of dental treatments to ensure patients are comfortable and relaxed, particularly for those with dental anxiety or complex procedures. Here’s how it can be applied to different treatments:
Dental Implants
Sedation dentistry is highly beneficial for dental implant procedures, as it helps the patient remain calm during the surgery and minimizes discomfort. Sedation options range from mild (such as nitrous oxide or oral sedatives) to deep sedation or general anesthesia, depending on the complexity of the implant placement. This ensures the patient is either relaxed or entirely asleep during the procedure, making it a more comfortable experience.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic procedures like veneers, teeth whitening, and smile makeovers often require multiple steps, sometimes including drilling or reshaping teeth. Sedation can be used to reduce any anxiety and discomfort, especially for patients who are apprehensive about dental procedures or have a low pain tolerance. For more invasive cosmetic treatments like gum contouring or dental bonding, sedation helps keep the patient at ease, ensuring the procedure is completed efficiently and with minimal distress.
Straightening Your Teeth (Orthodontics)
Sedation dentistry can be used for more extensive orthodontic treatments, such as when getting braces or clear aligners. Though not always necessary for routine adjustments, patients with anxiety or those undergoing complex procedures like teeth extractions or placement of braces might benefit from sedation. It can also be useful for those with severe discomfort during adjustments or those with a strong fear of dental treatments.
General & Preventative Dentistry
For routine cleanings, exams, or fillings, sedation can make the experience more comfortable for patients with severe dental anxiety, sensitive teeth, or those who have trouble sitting still for extended periods. It can also be used for patients with a strong gag reflex, making it easier for the dentist to perform a thorough cleaning or examination without causing discomfort.
This is why sedation dentistry is an excellent option for improving comfort and reducing anxiety during various dental treatments, whether for invasive procedures like dental implants or routine preventive care. It allows patients to have a more relaxed experience, enhancing their overall dental care.
Learn More About Sedation Dentistry
If you have been fearful of going to the dentist, we encourage you to call Family Comprehensive & Cosmetic Dentistry, serving Jacksonville, NC, Onslow County at (910) 353-5171. You may also fill out our online contact form, and one of our dental team members will reach out soon to help with scheduling and answer any questions you may have.