In the United States, an estimated 75% of people experience mild to severe dental anxiety. Whether it’s due to the sounds associated with the dental office, trauma from past experiences, or other factors, dental sedation offers patients a way to make it through their appointments stress-free. Though this is a good option for many people, it isn’t the best choice for everyone. Read on to learn more about how nitrous oxide sedation works, the benefits, and if you’re a good candidate for it.
How Nitrous Oxide Sedation Works
Nitrous oxide is a type of dental sedation that is administered through a mask placed over the patient’s nose. It’s virtually odorless and helps patients feel relaxed and at ease throughout treatment. Though nitrous oxide doesn’t put patients to sleep, the calming effects of it often lead to them dozing off anyway. Even so, patients are able to respond to verbal cues throughout treatment and can still communicate their needs to their dental staff. Once treatment is complete, the nitrous will be turned off and oxygen will be administered through the nose mask. In just a few minutes, the effects of the dental sedation will completely wear off.
The Benefits of Nitrous Oxide Sedation
Nitrous oxide is a great way to calm patients who feel anxious about visiting the dentist. Along with calming those dealing with dental anxiety, other benefits of nitrous oxide sedation include:
- Control – This form of sedation can be controlled by the dentist throughout treatment. This allows them to administer more or less of the gas depending on the patient’s needs.
- No lingering side effects – Since it wears off within a few minutes, nitrous oxide doesn’t leave patients with any lingering side effects like drowsiness.
- Longer treatments – If you require a lot of dental work or intensive treatment, this form of sedation will allow your dentist to do so without you being uncomfortable.
- Lessen pain – For patients who experience pain in their neck, back, or jaw while in the treatment chair, nitrous oxide may be just what they need to remain comfortable.
Am I a Candidate for Nitrous Oxide Sedation?
If you suffer from dental anxiety, need extensive dental work, or require assistance with relaxing to get through your appointments, you may be a good candidate for nitrous oxide sedation. It’s one of the most clinically researched and tested sedatives on the market. Nitrous oxide is also safe for both adults and children. Your dentist will review your medical history to ensure that it’s the right fit for you. Things like a condition called emphysema in which the air sacs of the lungs are damaged and enlarged or pregnancy can cause complications, so your dentist will discuss other options they have available.
Nitrous oxide sedation can make a huge difference for patients who previously avoided dental visits. Speak with your dentist to learn more about this sedative and whether it’s the right option for you!
About the Practice
South Florida Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery is here to help patients achieve gorgeous, healthy grins. If you suffer from dental fear or other issues that make it difficult to make it through appointments, they offer nitrous oxide sedation to ensure that you feel safe and at ease. For more information on dental sedation or to set up an appointment, call their Royal Palm Beach office at (561) 440-7366, their Jupiter office at (561) 743-8311, their Palm Beach Gardens office at (561) 624-7116, or visit their website.