Throughout the years, nitrous oxide dental sedation, commonly known as laughing gas, has helped millions of people to enjoy a more comfortable dental care experience. Do you plan to use this provision during your next dental appointment? If so, you might be curious about it and what you can expect. Here are some interesting facts that you should know:
Nitrous Oxide Is Safe
Nitrous oxide is one of the lowest-risk dental sedation methods. It has been in use for centuries, and throughout that time, the medical community has established reliable guidelines for its safe and effective use. Severe adverse effects to nitrous oxide are extremely rare. It is even considered safe for children!
Nitrous Oxide Will Not Put You to Sleep
While dental sedation is sometimes called “sleep dentistry,” it is important to note that nitrous oxide will not put you to sleep or cause unconsciousness. It will simply help you to relax and dull your body’s response to pain. Some patients also experience a giddy sensation, which is how nitrous oxide earned its popular nickname.
Nitrous Oxide Wears Off Quickly
With other types of sedation, the effects can linger for several hours — perhaps up to a full day or longer. Nitrous oxide is different. In fact, you should return to feeling fully alert and normal within just a few minutes of the end of your exposure to nitrous oxide. It should be safe for you to drive yourself home and resume your other daily activities.
Nitrous Oxide Is Not Right for Everyone
Although nitrous oxide is suitable for most patients, it is not for everyone. Your dentist will screen you to determine if you have any risk factors that might make it unsafe for you. For example, it is not generally recommended for pregnant women or people with certain allergies or respiratory conditions. If it turns out that you cannot take advantage of nitrous oxide, your dentist will explore other methods of helping you to have a comfortable treatment experience.
Nitrous oxide is a wonderful provision for patients who want to enjoy the easiest dental care experience possible. Talk to your dentist to learn more about it.
Meet the Practice
At Family Dental Practice of Newington, patient comfort is one of our highest priorities. That is why we are pleased to offer nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation. We always administer these provisions with safety at the forefront of our minds. If you have questions about how sedation may be able to help you relax during your next appointment, we welcome you to call our office at 860-856-6201.