Nitrous Oxide Sedation – North Grafton, MA
Helping to Calm Nerves for Better Oral Health
When your heart begins to race at the thought of visiting the dentist’s office, do not worry because you’re not alone. Millions of people in the United States suffer from dental anxiety, many of whom forgo regular dental care out of fear and worry. Unfortunately, this can lead to more serious, timely, and costly treatments in the future. Fortunately, at Theroux Dental Associates, you can find a sedation dentist in North Grafton who offers nitrous oxide sedation. This safe and effective solution can help you relax and remain comfortable throughout your visit. No matter if you need a general checkup and cleaning or dental filling, our team is here to ensure you have an enjoyable experience each time you visit. Contact us to find out how we can help you say “so long” to dental anxiety.
Why Choose Theroux Dental Associates for Nitrous Oxide Sedation?
- Safe for Both Children and Adults
- Our Team Listens to Your Needs
- Additional Comfort Amenities Available
How Does Nitrous Oxide Work?
Also known as laughing gas, nitrous oxide is considered to be the mildest form of sedation. Designed to relax those who experience mild to moderate dental anxiety, it works quickly to help you remain comfortable and at ease throughout your visit.
Using a mask that is placed over your nose, our team will instruct you to inhale the nitrous oxide and oxygen mixture. Within minutes, you will begin to feel as if you are floating. You may even experience a warm sensation and become sleepy; however, you will not be fully sedated. Nitrous oxide may help you to enter into a dream-like state, but you will remain cognizant throughout your procedure, allowing you to respond to any cues given by your dentist and dental team.
Once your treatment is complete, we will turn off the gas. The effects will immediately begin to dissipate, allowing you to return to normal activity after your appointment.
Who Is A Good Candidate for Nitrous Oxide?
The only way to know for sure if you are a qualified candidate for nitrous oxide is to schedule an appointment with your sedation dentist. After discussing your medical history and current feelings toward dentistry, we will be able to determine if you should receive nitrous oxide. Fortunately, it is safe and effective for both children and adults and will likely be recommended if you:
- Have a strong gag reflex
- Have mild to moderate dental anxiety
- Have difficulty sitting still for long periods of time
- Experience jaw, neck, or back pain
- Have tooth sensitivity
It is advised that you avoid nitrous oxide if you are pregnant, have high blood pressure, are taking certain medications, or are suffering from a complex medical condition. This is why it is necessary to go over your entire medical history with our team before receiving any type of sedation.
What is the Recovery Time for Nitrous Oxide?
If you are worried that you will have to take additional time off of work after receiving nitrous oxide, don’t be! One of its greatest benefits is that the effects quickly dissipate after the gas is turned off. In most cases, you are free to return to normal activity immediately following your appointment.
Nitrous Oxide Sedation FAQ’s
Still curious about nitrous oxide sedation? You’re in the right place! For any specific concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact our office to speak with our sedation dentist in North Grafton. Until then, we’ve also included the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about nitrous oxide sedation. Read on to get the information you need!
What Are the Benefits of Nitrous Oxide Over Other Sedation Options?
Nitrous oxide sedation is one of our most popular treatment options because it helps patients relax in a mild, noninvasive way. This option is great for a wider range of patients compared to other solutions like oral and IV sedation because its effects are easy to control and less severe. Whether you have a slight amount of dental anxiety, or you just want to feel at ease during your dental appointment, nitrous oxide is a great choice – no needles for an IV or a pill to swallow. Just show up to our office and we’ll take care of the rest!
Who is Ineligible for Sedation Dentistry?
This will always be determined by our dentists and/or your doctor, however the following people should generally consult a medical professional before receiving sedation dentistry:
- Patients who are pregnant
- Patients who’ve undergone Bleomycin chemotherapy within the past year
- Patients with difficulty breathing through their nose
- Patients who are uncomfortable with wearing a nosepiece
- Patients with the following medical conditions: obstructed bowl, sickle cell anemia, obstructed middle ear, COPD, emphysema, and bronchitis
Does Nitrous Oxide Affect My Lungs or Heart?
There are no side effects on your lungs and heart from nitrous oxide sedation as long as you’re able to comfortably breathe through your nose. If you’re concerned about this problem, please don’t hesitate to contact our office to speak with one of our experts. We are committed to helping our patients understand everything they need to know about nitrous oxide sedation.
Will I Fall Asleep During Nitrous Oxide Sedation?
During nitrous oxide sedation, it is very common for patients to fall asleep. However, this is due to the fact that they feel completely relaxed and happy. If you fall asleep while in the dental chair, we can gently tap you on the shoulder to wake you up. One of the benefits of nitrous oxide is that its effects are incredibly mild and controllable, allowing us to adjust the level of sedation based on your specific needs.
Can I Eat Before Nitrous Oxide Sedation?
While you can eat before nitrous oxide sedation, you should try not to consume anything before being sedated. One of the common side effects of sedation is nausea, and nitrous oxide can cause vomiting. If you do need to eat something before your appointment, try to choose a very light meal that is easy to digest.
Ready to enjoy nitrous oxide sedation? Please don’t hesitate to contact our office and request an appointment.