Have you ever received nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, at the dentist during a procedure? This is a common form of sedation, meant to calm and relax you while the dentist works in your mouth. It can also be a beneficial option if going to the dentist gives you anxiety. At Miller Family Dentistry in Nashville, Tennessee, we use nitrous oxide safely and effectively for all our patients.
What is Nitrous Oxide?
Nitrous oxide is a colorless gas that you can breathe to help you relieve symptoms of dental anxiety. Dental anxiety includes feelings of fear when you are at the dentist. It can be difficult to relax and open your mouth properly for the dental staff to do their work if you are overcome with anxiety and fear. That is why we offer nitrous oxide, also called laughing gas, as a form of sedation.
We administer nitrous oxide through a mask. The gas is mixed with oxygen, and you breathe it through your nose. It helps you relax right away. Some patients may experience a feeling of euphoria while breathing in the laughing gas. Nitrous oxide does not put you to sleep or cause you to be unconscious. It is one of the mildest forms of dental sedation available. When administered properly, nitrous oxide is safe and not a strong drug.
What is Nitrous Oxide Used For?
We use nitrous oxide sedation to help nervous or anxious patients relax, so their dental procedures are easier. It is not toxic, and it does not leave lasting side effects. Nitrous oxide can be dangerous if too high of a level is given to a patient. At Miller Family Dentistry, we carefully administer the correct dose to each patient, monitoring them throughout the procedure for maximum safety and relaxation.
Pros and Cons of Nitrous Oxide
There are many advantages to using nitrous oxide for sedation dentistry, including:
- You feel more relaxed and less tense during your dental procedure.
- It minimizes gagging during a procedure.
- It is safe to administer.
- It is easy for the dentist to adjust the gas level up or down to accommodate the patient's needs.
- It works quickly, usually within the first two or three minutes.
- When the nitrous oxide mask is removed, the gas does not take long to clear your system.
- There are no lasting side effects.
Disadvantages of using nitrous oxide may include:
- Some patients feel nauseous while breathing nitrous oxide.
- It can make some patients very sleepy.
- It should not be used if you have the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or are pregnant.
Why Should You Choose Miller Family Dentistry?
Most dentists offer nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, as a form of sedation, making it very common for patients while their teeth are being worked on. At our dental office, Dr. Miller and Dr. Swang and their staff are trained to monitor patients being administered nitrous oxide. This helps ensure patient safety. All staff members can also use verbal skills to help patients relax, making necessary dental procedures easier.
Schedule an Appointment Today
If you have a dental problem or haven't been to the dentist in a long time due to dental anxiety, right now is a great time to schedule an appointment at Miller Family Dentistry in Nashville, Tennessee. We help you feel more comfortable during any appointment, using the latest dental technology and tried-and-true methods, such as nitrous oxide.
Call us today to schedule your next appointment. We look forward to helping you improve your oral health!