Do you suffer from mild dental anxiety? Do you dislike the idea of visiting the dentist’s office because of the sights, sounds, and smells? Many dental professionals understand the difficulties patients face when it comes to receiving elective and even preventive care. When anxiety builds, it may cause you to forgo treatment altogether, often resulting in worsening oral health problems. Fortunately, with the help of nitrous oxide, you can enjoy a more relaxing and calming experience when seeing your dentist. Read on to find out how it works and whether it will actually put you to sleep during your visit.
What is Nitrous Oxide?
Nitrous oxide is also known as “laughing gas” and is a type of sedation used by dentists to help patients who suffer from mild to moderate dental anxiety. A safe and effective method of treatment for both children and adults, it is considered the mildest form of sedation when compared to oral conscious sedation or the use of an IV.
Not only does it help to reduce dental anxiety, but it also works to minimize sensitive gag reflexes and create a relaxing experience that involves no pain.
How Does it Work?
When arriving for your dental checkup or procedure, your dentist will place a mask over your nose and have you inhale. The mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen will begin to work almost immediately, helping you to feel more relaxed and comfortable. Many patients who receive nitrous oxide have stated they felt as if they were floating. You may become light-headed and sleepy, but you will not be fully “put to sleep.” Instead, you will enter a dream-like state while your dentist completes their work. This makes it possible for you to remain still yet, respond to any cues from your dental team members.
What is Recovery Like?
One of the greatest benefits of nitrous oxide is that there is no recovery needed. Once your dentist turns off the gas and the mask is removed, the effects will begin to wear off immediately. In no time, you will be free to leave and resume normal activity. Whether it is going back to work or school, you will not need a friend or family member to escort you to your appointment.
If you’re unsure whether you are a candidate for nitrous oxide, make sure to talk to your dentist. Because it is a mild form of sedation, it is most often a safe solution for all individuals, even those with certain medical conditions. However, it is always best to check with your dentist and go over your health history before agreeing to receive sedation.
About the Authors
Dr. Tina Theroux and Dr. Alisun Kovach are caring and trusted dentists in North Grafton who lead an exceptional team at Theroux Dental Associates. Understanding that patients of all ages can experience dental anxiety, they are pleased to provide nitrous oxide as a safe and effective way to ensure a calming, relaxed, and enjoyable visit. Taking only minutes to begin working, individuals can feel more at ease while undergoing a general checkup and cleaning or even a dental filling. With virtually no recovery needed, patients are free to resume normal activity after their appointment. If you believe you could benefit from nitrous oxide during your next visit, contact us via our website or by calling (508) 839-2262.