If you aren’t the biggest fan of the dentist’s office, you’re far from the only one. Tons of people have horror stories to share, and even though they aren’t representative of dentists as a whole, those may have turned them off of dentistry completely.
Thankfully, sedation dentistry can put even the most anxious patient at ease! Nitrous oxide in particular is an incredibly common form of sedation, due to its ease of use. If you’re interested in nitrous oxide sedation, here are some things you should probably know.
#1: You Will Still Be Awake
When people hear the word “sedation,” they often think of something a little bit more extreme than what nitrous oxide actually entails. For the most part, dental sedatives are designed for the patient to feel a little bit better, but to still be aware enough to follow the dentist’s instructions.
This is especially the case for laughing gas, which is one of the mildest sedatives at a dentist’s disposal. Nitrous oxide will keep you aware of your surroundings but will make the whole experience much more enjoyable.
#2: It’s Completely Safe (In The Right Context)
If you’ve never been through any kind of medical sedation before, you may be nervous about its safety. Fortunately, sedation dentists have had extensive training in the use of these drugs, and know how to administer them with virtually no risk.
If given out in a dental context, nitrous oxide is completely safe for people of all ages. In fact, laughing gas is often used with children!
#3: It Acts and Wears Off Fast
Nitrous oxide is a favorite of dentists because of how easy it is to use. Within moments of the flow of gas beginning, patients will feel the full effects of the drug. The opposite is also true—once the gas stops, the drug will wear off completely within 3-5 minutes. It can therefore be adjusted easily by dentists depending on how the patient responds.
That said, everyone reacts to sedation differently, so you should still plan to have someone pick you up after your appointment.
About the Author
Dr. Alan Kellner opened his own practice so that he could offer people dental care that isn’t just cookie-cutter. He knows that every patient has their own unique needs, so he works hard to ensure that everyone gets the individualized care that they deserve. Whether you need a simple checkup, a restoration, or a complete smile makeover, he’ll make sure you’re comfortable through the whole process.
If you have any questions about nitrous oxide, he can be reached at his website or by phone at (954) 771-7636.