Let’s say that, for future treatment, your dentist recommends you be sedated. In particular, they suggest you get nitrous oxide sedation. However, you have concerns about this dental service. Among other things, you feel afraid that the sedative will put you to sleep. Well, your Laguna Niguel dentist is here to put such fears to rest. Read on to learn about nitrous oxide, its effects, and whether it’s safe to use in modern dentistry.
What is Nitrous Oxide?
You might know nitrous oxide by a more (in)famous name — “laughing gas.” It’s an effective, gaseous sedative mixed with oxygen. Dentists often use it to make patients comfortable during a dental procedure.
For nitrous oxide sedation, you inhale the titular gas through a small mask fit over your nose. It’ll then take effect over time, ensuring you feel calm while the dentist works. When you’re near the end of your visit, the dentist will remove the mask. From there, the gas effects will fade very quickly.
Will it Put Me to Sleep?
You can rest assured: nitrous oxide will *not* put you to sleep. At most, it’ll only diminish your awareness and sensation of what happens during treatment.
In general, nitrous oxide sedation can do the following:
- Reduce your levels of anxiety and stress
- Help you feel more relaxed and euphoric
- Decrease your gag reflex
- Raise your pain threshold
In terms of side effects, “laughing gas” hardly has any. Some patients report that it causes light-headedness or tingling in their arms and legs. Yet others say it makes their arms and legs feel heavy. Either way, you should feel calm and comfortable while inhaling it. Also, the gas will leave you lucid enough to respond to dentist requests and directions.
Nitrous Oxide is Safe
Nitrous oxide is likely the safest kind of dental sedation. For one thing, it can be used on patients whose medical conditions exclude them from other sedatives. The dentist will also control how much you receive so you won’t inhale too much. It even exits your body in as little as five minutes, thus allowing you to drive home shortly after your appointment.
As you can see, nitrous oxide sedation isn’t a cause for concern. Feel free to enjoy its many benefits at your next dental treatment!
About the Author
Dr. Damon Anderson is a dentist based in Laguna Niguel, CA, having earned his DDS from the Loma Linda University School of Dentistry. He’s also a member of the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. In his work, the man offers preventive, cosmetic, and restorative procedures. He can even perform dental sedation! Dr. Anderson currently practices at Laguna Niguel Family Dental Care and is reachable on his website and by phone at (949)-643-3129.
