Sedation Dentistry
Nitrous Oxide
About Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide is a sedative gas (commonly called “laughing gas”) that you inhale through a small mask over your nose. It is a conscious anesthetic, so you are awake and can communicate throughout the dental procedure. It’s one of the safest forms of sedation available today. Nitrous oxide is mixed with oxygen so that you have an ample supply of oxygen at all times. The relaxed and disassociated feeling disappears soon after the gas is turned off. You can drive back to your home or office right away.
Reasons for Sedation
- High fear of dental treatment
- Past traumatic dental experiences
- Extremely sensitive teeth
- Gag reflex
- Difficulty getting numb
- Extensive dental treatment needed
- Fear of needles
- Dental phobia associated with dental office smells or noises
Who Should Not Use Sedation
- Children who aren’t old enough to understand what’s going on
- Women who are pregnant
- People with severe bronchitis
- People with comprehension or communication difficulties
- People who cannot breathe through their nose
- People with lung problems
Physical Effects of Sedation
- Numbness in legs or hands
- Feelings of weightlessness in extremities
- Feeling of warmth over your body
- Ringing sensation or distinct hearing
- Tingling feeling in hands or feet
Precautions with Nitrous Oxide
You should have an empty stomach, no heavy meals within 2 hour and no light snacks for 30 minutes. Notify your doctor of any changes in your medical history prior to administration of nitrous oxide and any medication you are taking.
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