What Is Nitrous Oxide Sedation & Is It Safe?

Are you afraid of the dentist? If you are, you’re certainly not alone. Recent surveys indicate that nearly 75% of Americans experience some amount of fear when it comes to getting dental work. Feeling overwhelmingly anxious about visiting your dentist can make it difficult for you to get the care you need and put you at a higher risk of oral health conditions like tooth decay and gum disease. Thankfully, nitrous oxide sedation is a reliable and trusted way to feel at-ease during your dental appointments. Read on to learn more about this popular calming service and just how safe it is.

How Does Nitrous Oxide Work?

You may be more familiar with nitrous oxide’s nickname “laughing gas.” This odorless, colorless gas contains a precise mix of nitrous and oxygen to help nervous patients feel light, at-ease, and sometimes even giggly! It’s administered via a small mask that’s placed over the nose and takes effect within moments of being inhaled.

Throughout your treatment, your ability to register discomfort will be muted and your gag reflex will be slightly suppressed, but you’ll be awake and able to respond to questions and commands. Once the mask is removed, the effects will dissipate just as quickly as they came on. Since there are no lingering side effects, you can go back to your day without interruption!

Is Nitrous Oxide Safe?

Nitrous oxide has been used successfully in dentistry for many years. There are a variety of factors that make it an extremely safe choice, including:

• It’s non-allergic and non-addictive.
• You remain conscious the entire time.
• The level of sedation can be easily adjusted by your dentist in real time.
• The risk of side effects or complications is exceptionally low.
• It has been perfected and studied for over 100 years.

Am I A Good Candidate for Nitrous Oxide?

Nitrous oxide is a safe choice for patients of any age, from children to older adults. While there are a few conditions or circumstances where it isn’t recommended, such as during pregnancy or for those with chronic pulmonary disease, nitrous oxide may be able to help you if:

• You need a little help relaxing in the dentist’s chair.
• You have a fear of needles.
• You have sensitive teeth or an over-reactive gag reflex.
• You have a resistance to dental numbing medications.
• You find it physically uncomfortable to sit in place or hold your jaw open for long periods of time.

Don’t let your fears keep you from getting the dental care you need. Nitrous oxide sedation is a safe and reliable technique that can help you achieve and maintain a happy, healthy smile!

About the Practice

At Brush Dental, we strive to make optimal oral health an attainable goal for all the smiles of Royse City and the surrounding communities. That’s why we offer evening and weekend appointments, the latest dental treatments, and a team who truly cares about the health and comfort of our patients. While we go above and beyond to create a relaxing, friendly atmosphere, we also offer several sedation options to help even the most nervous patients feel at ease during their appointment. To see if nitrous oxide sedation is right for you, don’t hesitate to contact us via our website or at (469) 723-4000.