Sedation With Laughing Gas! Is It Good Enough?

Dental anxiety is a serious issue and can prevent you from seeking proper dental care. If you’re anxious or afraid of dental procedures, sedation with laughing gas can help with that. Nitrous oxide (N2O) is the other name for laughing gas. It’s commonly used together with oxygen. Nitrous oxide is odorless and non-irritating, and it’s administered through inhalation.

Since it doesn’t involve injections and oral pills, laughing gas is generally safe and comfortable for all people, including children. It’s essentially ideal for people who have a high level of anxiety about dental instruments such as syringes and needles. The sedation helps to prevent pain and keep you relaxed and comfortable during a dental procedure. It will help the dentist provide you with the necessary dental treatments effectively.

What Does Laughing Gas Work?

Laughing gas is a mild sedative agent used to manage and relieve anxiety during dental treatment. Nitrous oxide is inhaled through a mask fitted over the nose. After giving you the mask, the dentist will ask you to breathe normally. The sedation takes effect within minutes.

Contrary to what the name suggests, laughing gas doesn’t make you laugh. It slows down the nervous system and makes you feel less inhibited. After the gas takes effect, you may feel tingly, light-headed, or heaviness in your legs or arms. Several patients also complain of numbness in the fingers and toes. You’ll feel comfortable and calm throughout the procedure.

Unlike deep sedation, laughing gas doesn’t cause you to lose consciousness or sleep. You’ll be conscious, and you can even have a conversation with your dentist. Once the sedation wears off, the laughing gas effect will go away.

Are you Eligible for Laughing Gas Sedation?

Dental experts recommend the use of nitrous oxide for:

• Patients with fear and anxiety
• Uncooperative patients
• Patients with special needs
• Patients with gag reflexes that could interfere with dental treatment
• Younger patients undergoing lengthy dental procedures
• Patients who don’t respond adequately to local anesthesia

While effective, laughing gas may not be suitable for you. Ensure you notify your laughing gas dentist if you have the following conditions:

• Pregnancy in the first trimester
• History of respiratory illnesses such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Vitamin B-12 deficiency
• History of substance abuse
• Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase deficiency
• History of mental health conditions

Is it Sufficient and Efficient?

Now that you understand how laughing gas, you may be wondering whether it’s safe, good enough, or efficient for you. The answer is nitrous oxide is safe and highly effective for most patients. If you’re worried that the sedation might not be enough for a lengthy procedure, you don’t have to worry as your dentist will consider all these factors.

If the sedation isn’t sufficient for the procedure, your dentist will choose the correct alternative sedation for your procedure and medical condition. Generally, laughing gas is recommended for short procedures because it quickly wears off. It’s the only sedation that allows you to drive yourself after a dental procedure.

Benefits of Sedation with Laughing Gas

Some of the benefits of using nitrous oxide include:

• It keeps you relaxed and pain-free. Dental anxiety and fear can make you avoid dental treatment. Your dentist can use laughing gas to keep you painless and relaxed throughout the treatment.
• It’s safe and effective. Laughing gas is safe and effective. Most patients don’t experience side effects after the sedation wears off.
• No injections. Laughing gas is through inhalation. So you don’t have to worry about injections or taking oral pills.
• You remain conscious. Nitrous oxide won’t put you asleep. You’ll still be able to hear and respond to your dentist’s questions and instructions.
• It wears off quickly. After the treatment, your dentist will remove the mask. The effect wears off very quickly when you breathe in pure oxygen through a mask. After that, you can even drive yourself home.

Side Effects of Laughing Gas

Most patients won’t experience adverse side effects to laughing gas. Common side effects of laughing gas include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Headaches
• Sleepiness
• Excessive sweating and shivering
• Headaches

To prevent nausea and vomiting after the sedation, avoid eating large meals for up to three hours after treatment. Consult your dentist whether it’s safe to drive yourself home. For more information about laughing gas in Bristol, CT, contact Admire Dental – Bristol.