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Nearly 40% of Americans struggle with the idea of going to the dentist. This could be for various reasons, like general anxiety or concern about discomfort. Regardless of why you and plenty of others are nervous about dental visits, a statistic like that can’t be ignored. Nowadays, dentists fortunately have the means to help patients feel calm and comfortable during their treatments.
Nitrous oxide sedation is one such solution, but it’s not for everyone. Keep reading to find out whether it’s worth asking your dentist about.
What Is Nitrous Oxide Sedation?
Have you heard of laughing gas? That’s nitrous oxide sedation. Since this sedative gas involves a combination of nitrous oxide and oxygen, the medical name for it is simply “nitrous oxide”. To administer it, your dentist will place a small, non-invasive mask over your mouth and nose. In only a few seconds, your muscles will relax, pain sensations will be numbed, and you’ll start feeling more at ease.
Who Is Nitrous Oxide Sedation Good For?
Because of its soothing effects, nitrous oxide works wonders for those with dental anxiety. It can also help alleviate:
- Joint or muscle pain that makes sitting uncomfortable
- Restlessness or trouble staying still
- Sensitive gag reflexes
If you or your child experience any of these difficulties, nitrous oxide could definitely be beneficial.
Who Is Nitrous Oxide Sedation Not Good For?
However, if certain scenarios apply to you, it’s worth getting a second opinion or seeking a different solution. For example:
- Compromised breathing due to seasonal allergies or a sinus infection will make effective administration of the gas challenging. It’s often best to just reschedule.
- Those with chronic breathing issues, such as a respiratory disease, sleep apnea, or other such conditions should probably avoid laughing gas. The slowed breathing effect could very well make this treatment risky for you.
Other factors could also affect you in a way you won’t anticipate, so be sure to list all known medical quirks for your dentist.
Details To Discuss with Your Dentist
Another complication you’ll want to mention is any allergy to medicine. While you’re at it, don’t neglect to tell your dentist about the prescriptions, supplements, vitamins, and even wholistic remedies that you take. Nitrous oxide has a relatively simple chemical make-up, but certain allergies and medications can still react with it negatively. If you have trouble remembering the names of everything you take, bring a bag of each and every product container for your dentist to inspect. It’s that important!
Because nitrous oxide can be finicky for some, you and your dentist should have a detailed consultation about whether it’s the right sedation option for you. If it’s not, don’t lose heart! Your dentist wants you to be comfortable and will do their best to find an alternative solution that’s just as effective.
About the Author
Dr. Ashraf Seif places great importance on patient comfort. Believe it or not, there was a time when he was afraid to receive dental treatment, so he knows firsthand that a positive visit can be a powerful thing. To fulfill his goal of providing a pleasant experience, Dr. Seif offers not only nitrous oxide sedation, but also oral conscious sedation. For more information about how Dr. Seif can help put you at ease for your dental appointments, call his office at 281-837-9122 or visit his website.