Do you have a dental phobia? If so, you may want to consider asking our Holland, MI dentist about the benefits of nitrous oxide. Nitrous oxide (also called laughing gas) helps patients of all ages relax in the chair so they can get the emergency dental care they need.
To administer laughing gas, our emergency dentist will gently place a breathing mask over your nose that supplies oxygen mixed with nitrous oxide. Within a few minutes, you should start to feel relaxed. Not only is laughing gas safe, but it’s quick to act and quick to wear off.
What is Laughing Gas Used For?
Laughing gas can be used for a range of dental procedures, from cleaning teeth to filling cavities. However, keep in mind that certain procedures may also require local anesthesia to manage pain. Our dentist will be able to manage pain and anxiety so you can maintain good oral health.
Nitrous oxide is well suited for patients who have dental anxiety or have special needs that make it difficult for them to get emergency dental care. If this describes your situation, consult with our dentistabout whether laughing gas or other types of are an option.
Quick to Relax
Nitrous oxide isn’t considered “sleep dentistry” because you’re awake and responsive during the procedure. What nitrous oxide does is help you relax while sitting in the dentist’s chair so you can get the care you need to maintain a healthy smile. One of the side effects of laughing gas is feeling giddy. As a result, you may giggle a little during treatment, but still be able to cooperate with our emergency dentist.
If you have a dental phobia, we may encourage you to talk about the root of your fear. For example, some patients have dental anxiety because they’re afraid of feeling helpless or losing control. Compared with other types of sedation dentistry, nitrous oxide relaxes you without putting you to sleep.
Quick to Wear Off
Nitrous oxide wears off quickly, which means you’ll be able to return to work or school after your dentist appointment. The calming effect of the nitrous oxide wears off as soon as we remove the breathing mask covering your nose. In contrast, you would need to have someone drive you home after oral sedation so you could recover at home for the rest of the day. You shouldn’t experience grogginess or sleepiness after being given , which decreases recovery time.
No Lingering Side Effects
Laughing gas is safe for people of all ages because there are no lingering side effects. In fact, adults who are given nitrous oxide are able to drive themselves home after dental procedures. While breathing in laughing gas, you may feel light-headed or like your limbs are heavy. These symptoms are normal reactions to the nitrous oxide and disappear almost immediately after removing the breathing mask. While breathing in laughing gas, you’ll feel safe and relaxed in the chair.
Dr. Ryan Lebster is an emergency dentist in Holland, MI. To request an appointment, call RediDental Emergency Dental Care at (616) 796-3200.
