For many people, the idea of being truly relaxed at the dentist’s office seems impossible. Here at Avion Dental & Orthodontics, we aim to keep our patients feeling safe and comfortable at all times no matter what kind of treatment they require. When you call for an appointment, please let us know if you or anyone in your family is feeling particularly anxious about receiving dental care; we can arrange for sedation dentistry in Dallas, TX to be provided on the day of the appointment to relieve any persistent nerves.
Commonly referred to as “laughing gas,” nitrous oxide is a mild, but effective, sedative that is perfectly safe for both adults and children. It’s extremely common for patients who struggle with dental-related anxiety, but it can also be helpful for those with a fear of needles, who struggle with dental sensitivity, or who need help staying calm during a long procedure. To learn more about this calming solution – from who is a candidate to how it works and what aftercare looks like – keep reading!
Since nitrous oxide sedation is safe for both adults and children, a large majority of patients are good candidates! As mentioned above, it’s well-known for helping patients who have had a traumatic dental experience in the past, who experience anxiety stemming from the sights and sounds of the dental office, or who have trouble staying calm in the treatment chair. With that said, we will need to review a few important factors with you before determining if nitrous oxide is suitable for you, such as learning about your medical history, allergies, and any medications you’re taking.
It’s quite simple! You’ll breathe in the nitrous oxide through a small mask. Despite being a sedative, nitrous oxide doesn’t put you to sleep; you will still be able to hear and interact with our dentist throughout your procedure. However, you’ll be in a calm and comfortable state where the sights and sounds of the dental office won’t bother you. We can also adjust the nitrous oxide as needed during your appointment, ensuring that you stay comfortable and calm every step of the way.
From the fact that nitrous oxide is fast-acting to the fact that it’s suitable for patients of all ages, there are numerous benefits of nitrous oxide. One of the biggest ones is that it only takes a few minutes for the effects to wear off! Once the treatment is complete, we will switch it off so you are only breathing in oxygen. Shortly after, you’ll begin to feel “normal” again. In fact, you’ll even be able to drive yourself home after your treatment and resume your daily activities as usual. Of course, if there are any aftercare instructions you need from the treatment itself, we will provide you with those before you leave.