Nitrous Oxide Specialist

What is nitrous oxide?

Nitrous oxide, which is more commonly known as laughing gas, is a safe and effective sedative agent. A colorless gas, it’s typically delivered through a small surgical mask placed over your nose just prior to a dental procedure.

With nitrous oxide, dental work is much easier on you, the patient. It’s not intended to put you to sleep, but simply put you at ease and relax you. Nitrous oxide is one of the best tools dentists use to alleviate dental fear and anxiety.

How does nitrous oxide work?

Your dentist at Cedarwood Pleasanton Dentistry will cover everything with you during your visit, but here are the basics. Nitrous oxide will not put you completely under. While under sedation, you’ll be able to hear and respond to any requests or directions your dentist provides.

Before they put the mask over your nose, your dentist will ask you to breathe normally through your nose. After administering the gas through the mask, within a few minutes, you’ll begin to feel the effects of the nitrous oxide. In some cases, you may feel a bit light-headed or a tingling sensation in your arms and legs. Sometimes, your arms and legs may feel heavy.

The most important thing to know is that nitrous oxide will make you feel calm and comfortable. In every case, the effects of nitrous oxide won’t linger and will wear off right after your dentist removes the mask.

When is nitrous oxide used?

Nitrous oxide is commonly used during more invasive procedures, such as root canal therapy or oral surgery for dental implants. However, its use depends on the specific type of dental work you’re having done and your anxiety going in.

Using nitrous oxide can make the experience of dental work easier on you and your dentist. Being a calmer, more relaxed patient helps your dentist deliver better results during a procedure and helps limit your discomfort, as well. Child patients with behavioral issues or standard dental anxiety also benefit immensely from nitrous oxide, as it helps keep them calm during procedures.

Is nitrous oxide safe?

Yes, when administered by the professionals at Cedarwood Pleasanton Dentistry, nitrous oxide is perfectly safe. There are virtually no risks or side effects, and you have nothing to worry about. The use of nitrous oxide isn’t mandatory, and you’ll be able to discuss whether or not you think you need it with your dentist before undergoing any dental work at the office.

To ask more questions and find out more about nitrous oxide sedation at Cedarwood Pleasanton Dentistry, call the office or book a consultation online today.