Sometimes, the anticipation of discomfort is worse than the actual source of anxiety – and other times, it’s not! If you have a dental phobia that simplistic breathing exercises can’t solve, nitrous oxide sedation could significantly improve your in-office experience. But what does “sedation” mean, exactly? Will you be “put under” as if you were receiving anesthesia?
Find the answer to this question and more as you scroll through this post.
Will Nitrous Oxide Knock Me Out?
Let’s address your main concern first. No, nitrous oxide won’t “knock you out.” This gas, which you might know as “laughing gas,” is a simple and mild mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen. It’s so mild, in fact, that nitrous oxide is often the sedation method of choice for young children.
What Will My Experience Look Like?
Your dentist will administer the gas through a low-profile, minimally invasive mask. Once you breathe it in, you’ll quickly start to notice its effects. Your muscles will relax, you’ll feel a nice sense of calm, light and other sensations will seem dulled, and you might even experience some euphoria. Basically, while you’ll be completely conscious for the entirety of your treatment, you’ll likely be more comfortable and at ease.
Why Being Conscious Can Be Better
One of the reasons dentists prefer to use mild sedation options when possible is that it makes it easier to communicate with patients. Your memory of treatment might be hazy afterwards, but in the moment you’ll be able to respond to your dentist’s instructions and questions.
Something that many patients appreciate about this method is that it’s generally less expensive than “knock out” anesthesia. If it’s strong enough to lull you to unconsciousness, it usually has to be administered by a licensed anesthesiologist – which means having to pay for a specialist.
Talk to Your Compassionate Dentist
Many patients love being able to visit the dentist with the aid of laughing gas, but that doesn’t mean it’s for everyone. Depending on the severity of your anxiety, you might need something a little stronger, such as oral conscious sedation. Plus, while nitrous oxide is considered mild, it can still become hazardous for patients taking certain medications or those who have specific medical conditions, such as pregnancy or respiratory issues.
If fear is holding you back from scheduling dental appointments, talk with your compassionate dentist. They don’t want you to feel uncomfortable during your visit and will be happy to help you find a calming solution.
About the Practice
At Smile Fitness Dental Center, we want to help make dentistry as comfortable and convenient as possible. Our three compassionate dentists are happy to work with patients who experience dental anxiety so that they can receive the care they need without worries. If you think dental sedation like nitrous oxide could benefit you, give our office a call at 623-303-0967.