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Nitrous Oxide Sedation

Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas) – Sedation Dentistry

Nitrous Oxide is a form of sedation dentistry. It is a safe and simple way to deal with some of the anxieties one experiences when sitting in the dental chair.  For patients with a moderate level of anxiety, and needing shorter procedures, it can reduce the fear of needles, gagging, and the anxiety that the drill sound may trigger. We are trained sedation dentists, here at Morgan Dental Care.

Learn about the benefits of Sedation Dentistry to see if you could benefit.

What does Nitrous Oxide do for me?

Nitrous Oxide has no color or smell.  It is given as an inhaled gas as a mixture of part nitrous oxide and part Oxygen.  As long as you are breathing the mixture, you get the sedation effect; the effect quickly subsides when you return to breathing normal air.

A sedation dentistry procedure using Nitrous Oxide goes something like this: A small rubber hood or a nasal canula is placed on your nose and the gas is started. You start to take breaths through your nose until a desired effect is noted. The mixture is adjusted to find the right mix for relaxation and comfort. A topical anesthetic is placed on the gums. Local anesthetic is given to numb the area of treatment. You breathe the gas during the entire procedure. Just prior to exiting, you are given 100% oxygen to breathe for a few minutes. This is to eliminate the Nitrous from your body and get you on your way.

Sedation Dentistry Makes Your Next Dental Visit Enjoyable

Most people describe the sensation of being “under the influence” of Nitrous Oxide as a pleasant buzz.   You may feel a heaviness in your arms and legs.  Tingling feelings can run to your finger tips and a slight dizzy feeling in your head.

Nitrous oxide also reduces pain so your injection of local anesthetic becomes more comfortable.

Advantages of Nitrous Oxide- Sedation Dentistry

• Works quickly
• The level of sedation you are experiencing moment to moment can be controlled by adjusting the level of the nitrous gas.
• Nitrous can be used for varied amounts of time.  The effect stays constant and when you are done with the appointment, so is the Nitrous.  Oral sedation or IV sedation will have a greater effect on you for a longer period of time after treatment.
• Nitrous Oxide sedation is very safe with few side effects.  It has no ill effect on the heart, lung, kidney, liver , or brain.
• Gag reflex is significantly reduced.
• If only Nitrous Oxide is used for sedation, without oral or IV sedation, you can drive yourself home

Disadvantages

It is possible to get nauseated by Nitrous so careful monitoring and effective communication with your health care provider is needed.  The concentration can easily be adjusted so within a few moments you will be back to yourself.

For many anxious patients, and/or for longer procedures Nitrous Oxide is not enough to give you the most comfortable possible dental experience.  Except for short prodedures and for patients with lower levels of anxiety, we usually recommend oral sedation (pills) as a more effective alternative.

A few people have had bad experiences with Nitrous due to a feeling of “loss of control” or nausea. If you have had this happen to you before, let your doctor know. Avoiding a large meal, or a full stomach is also recommended before this type of sedation dentistry.

You need to be able to breathe through your nose. If you have difficulties with this or are suffering from allergies or a cold you should discuss this with you Doctor.

To learn more about this type of sedation dentistry or to schedule a free consultation, use our Online Appointment Request Form or Contact Morgan Dental Care today to learn more about sedation dentistry and schedule an appointment- (207) 839-2655. 

Morgan Dental Care- serving the Greater Portland Maine area: Portland Maine, Gorham, Westbrook, South Portland, Windham, Scarborough, Standish, and the surrounding areas.

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