Many people feel nervous about having dental work done, especially more invasive or involved procedures. One solution for easing this anxiety is nitrous oxide sedation, also commonly called “laughing gas”.
Nitrous oxide is a colorless gas with a faint, sweet odor that is commonly mixed with oxygen and inhaled through the nose during some dental procedures to reduce anxiety and pain and promote relaxation. At iSmile Family Dentistry in College Park we offer nitrous oxide sedation to our patients for a relaxing stress free dental experience.
About Nitrous Oxide
What is the procedure like?
Before administering this treatment, we require that patients not eat 1.5 hours ahead of time. To begin, Dr. Singh will select the correct size nasal hood for your face. Dr. Singh will help you place it on your nose correctly and monitor the machine to ensure the proper amount of gas is being administered. When Dr. Singh observes the gas has taken effect, your procedure will begin.
Under nitrous oxide sedation, you will not be asleep but should feel relaxed and not fully alert. After the procedure is finished, you will receive 100% oxygen for 3 to 5 minutes, and the effects of the gas will begin to lift.
What are the side effects of nitrous oxide?
Under the care of a professional dentist such as Dr. Singh, the use of nitrous oxide sedation is considered safe by the American Dental Association. Many people have no side effects after use of nitrous oxide, but some possible aftereffects are nausea, headache, excessive sweating, shivering, dizziness, and fatigue.
In rare cases people may also experience hallucinations or sound distortion after inhalation of nitrous oxides. To minimize effects like nausea and vomiting, it is recommended that patients not eat or drink for at least 2 hours before administration.
Who can recieve nitrous oxide sedation?
Although nitrous oxide sedation is helpful and safe for most people, it is not recommended for everyone. Patients who have a history of respiratory illness, mental health conditions, or substance abuse may not be able to receive this type of treatment. It is also not recommended for patients who have methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase or vitamin B-12 deficiencies or are in the first trimester of pregnancy.
