Am I a Good Candidate for Nitrous Oxide Sedation?

Do you have a sensitive gag reflex or mild to moderate dental anxiety that makes even your routine dental exam and cleaning stressful? While your first instinct might be to skip going to the dentist altogether, there may be a better way. Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) sedation has been helping patients feel relaxed and comfortable during oral health procedures for decades. This safe sedation is great for a variety of patients of all ages. Here’s everything you need to know about whether this treatment is right for you!

What is Nitrous Oxide?

Nitrous oxide is a colorless gas that is administered through the nose during dental procedures. It has a sweet, pleasant aroma. Mixed with oxygen, this treatment is kept in place until your appointment concludes. Your dentist will then have you breathe straight oxygen for five minutes until all the gas has left your system. You should have no remaining side-effects and can even drive yourself home and go about your day as usual, depending on your procedure.

Nitrous oxide is great for most dental procedures, including general exams and cleaning appointments, fillings, or even more involved surgeries like tooth extractions or dental implants.

Who Should Not Use Nitrous Oxide?

While it is safe for most patients to use nitrous oxide for a variety of oral health treatments, there are a few conditions that could make it extremely dangerous. These include:

• Pregnancy: If you are pregnant, nitrous oxide cannot be used during the first trimester, and other methods like oral sedation should not be used at all.
• Age: While nitrous oxide is safe for most patients of all ages, it should only be used on children if there is a true need. For adults, it should be avoided if your age is extremely advanced.
• Allergies: If you have known allergies to any of the medications used in sedation dentistry, you should not use it.
• Respiratory illness: A respiratory illness or sinus congestion can make it difficult for nitrous oxide to work because you need to breathe clearly through your nose.
• Medications: Certain medications, including OTC vitamins, supplements, and prescription drugs cannot be mixed with sedation. Be sure to notify your dentist if you are taking any type of medicine prior to your appointment.

Remember, while nitrous oxide is completely safe and effective for most people, it’s crucial that you inform your dentist about any medications (OTC or prescribed) and/or medical conditions you may have prior to your appointment.

Should you have any questions or concerns about nitrous oxide, please contact your dentist at once for clarification.

About Our Practice

At Lancaster Family Smiles, we understand the importance of attending all of your oral health appointments, but we also know that for many patients this can be very scary. That’s why we offer nitrous oxide sedation to qualified patients for all our dental treatments.

If you suffer from a weak gag reflex or dental anxiety, don’t let it get in the way of taking care of your smile. Speak to your dentist about sedation dentistry for your next appointment. To schedule, please visit our website or call us today at 469-729-7707.