About Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide is a great sedation therapy that helps ease the anxiety of many patients. It is a safe, fast-acting mixture of oxygen and nitrous oxide. The effects of nitrous oxide last as long as it's kept on during the procedure to produce a relaxing sensation. Although patients will experience a dreamlike state, they will still be conscious during their procedure to hear and follow instructions provided by our dentists. However, once the sedation is turned off, the effects will quickly fade and patients will be able to drive themselves home after their appointment. At Emigh Dental Care in Long Beach, CA, we want our patients to feel at ease and as comfortable as possible. If patients are planning or currently have an exam scheduled, we encourage them to ask our dentists about nitrous oxide sedation.
Nitrous Oxide Sedation Reviews
What to Expect
To begin sedation, our dentists will place a nasal hood over the patient's nose. They will then be instructed to breathe normally through their nose in order to inhale the gas. The nitrous oxide will start working within a few minutes and they will begin to feel light-headed. After that, patients will notice a tingling sensation, usually in their arms and legs or a vibrating feeling that is followed by a warmth through the body. Once the gas takes full effect, patients should experience a sense of euphoria or well-being. Unlike other forms of sedation, our dentists can determine the exact amount of time that the nitrous oxide is needed. Therefore, it can be switched on and off at any given time, depending on the patient's needs.
Treatment Aftercare
Once our dentists have stopped the supply of nitrous oxide, the gas should leave the body within 3 – 5 minutes, which means that patients should have no “hangover” effect and are safe to drive home after the procedure. Since nitrous oxide is a relatively safe form of sedation, there are usually no negative side effects associated with the gas. Patients may also experience slight nausea, but this symptom is rare. If patients are prone to nausea, it is suggested that they eat something before receiving nitrous oxide.
Is Laughing Gas for You?
When you contact our office to schedule an appointment, we are happy to answer any questions you may have regarding sedation. We can walk you through the process and discuss the advantages and disadvantages. Please contact us today to schedule your consultation to see if nitrous oxide is right for you.
