At The Cosmetic Dentist, Nitrous Oxide is our first choice for helping calm our most fearful patient. Nitrous is a gas that is mixed with oxygen and delivered to the patient through a nose piece. The nose piece, which is usually scented, covers only the nose so the mouth can still be worked on. The patient is instructed to breath through their nose to inhale the gas. The patient will begin to feel the sedation between 30 seconds to 4 minutes after starting the gas. After treatment is complete, the patient is given pure oxygen for 5 minutes to reverse the effects of the nitrous. Unlike general or IV sedation, patients are able to drive themselves home after.Nitrous Oxide has many benefits, and few side effects. It is not effective if nasal passages are blocked, and can be difficult for patients with claustrophobia. However, Nitrous Oxide is one of the safest forms of anesthetic available. It works well on fearful patients as well as on children.
If you are the type of patient that could stand to be a little calmer during dental treatment, Nitrous Oxide might be right for you. Talk to your dental professional today about trying it during your next dental procedure.
Information in this article from: http://dr4greatsmiles.com/nitrous-oxide-laughing-gas/ and http://www.ada.org/5293.aspx?currentTab=1
