Going to the dentist can be a scary prospect for people who have dental anxiety. They will have to conquer their phobia to receive treatment, which is easier said than done.
Fortunately for those people, most dentists are able to help their patients overcome their anxiety with the use of sedation dentistry.
Sedation dentistry can simply be defined as using medication to help patients relax during dental procedures. It is commonly used to help people who have dental anxiety feel more comfortable in the dentist’s chair.
Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is one of the most commonly used forms of sedation. It is an odorless gas which is mixed with oxygen and inhaled through the nose. The gas has helped many patients that deal with anxiety experience calm, comfortable cleanings and dental procedures. It is also safe and does not metabolize in the body, which means it does not get processed through the organs like other medication.
Unlike some other types of drugs used in sedation dentistry, nitrous oxide does not knock the patient out or put them to sleep. The gas relaxes the patient and gives them a pleasant sensation while reducing their sensitivity to pain. In some cases, the cheeks and gums may go numb when the gas is administered.
Once the treatment is complete, the dentist will give the patient pure oxygen to reverse the effects of the nitrous oxide. When the oxygen has been administered, the nitrous oxide will be expelled from the body within minutes. Unlike some other forms of sedation, there is no grogginess after and the patient will be able to drive themselves home or to work after the treatment.
The gas is administered before treatment begins. Patients breathe nitrous oxide, which is combined with oxygen, through a mask that is placed over their nose. The dentist will control the amount they receive to make sure the patient gets the right amount of gas needed during treatment.
One of the reasons some people are wary about using nitrous oxide when receiving treatment is the fact that they are not sure how safe it is. Fortunately, there are no side effects when it comes to using this gas. Nitrous oxide is not an irritant nor is it an allergen. Only a small minority of patients have experienced negative side effects.
Dentists consider nitrous oxide to be one of the safest anesthetics available. It is so effective and they do not have to prescribe another sedative before treatment to be used along with it. Nitrous oxide is also safe enough to be used on children.
Nitrous oxide is a very useful sedation tool for patients dealing with dental anxiety. If you get nervous every time you have to visit the dentist, ask your dentist if they practice sedation dentistry and if nitrous oxide is right for you.
Request an appointment here: https://www.stgeorgedentalcare.com or call St. George Dental Care at (435) 628-9099 for an appointment in our St George office.
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