At Crestview Family Dentistry your comfort is our number one priority. That’s why we provide anxiety-free dentistry for our patients who feel anxious or nervous about visiting the dentist. Specifically, we use nitrous oxide to help calm and relax our nervous patients. Nitrous oxide is more commonly known as “laughing gas,” and produces a feeling of well-being and lightness.
What Is Nitrous Oxide?
If you’ve never tried laughing gas before, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to find that it soothes your dental anxiety. It’s completely safe and acts as a painkiller and general relaxant. The sedative is mixed with oxygen, and you’ll inhale it through a mask. The gas can begin to work in as few as five minutes, so your anxiety can begin to dissipate right away. As you inhale the gas you may feel:
- Deeply relaxed.
- A sense of well-being.
- Happiness or silliness.
- Tingling throughout your body.
- Numbness in mouth, hands, or feet.
- Drowsy.
Conscious But Comfortable
One of the main reasons we use laughing gas is that it allows you to remain conscious during the dental procedure. This is very helpful to us and to you, because it means we can ask you questions and assess how you’re feeling at any given moment. At the same time, you’re more comfortable, helping us to work more quickly and finish the procedure sooner.
Who Can Use Nitrous Oxide
Most people can use laughing gas, even young children. There are, however, some who are not good candidates for this sedative. Do not use laughing gas if you are:
- Pregnant.
- Have a severe cold, including a stuffy nose.
- Have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
- Have congestive heart failure.
- Have recently incurred a head injury.
- Have an ear infection.
- Have been medicated for a psychiatric condition.
Once your procedure is finished, we’ll remove the mask and you’ll begin to feel the effects wear off almost immediately. Most patients are even able to drive themselves home.
Extra Comfort
In addition to laughing gas, we also provide other comforts and amenities to keep your stay in the dental chair as pleasant as possible. Ask us about our neck pillows, neck supports, and blankets.
If you’d like to learn more about how nitrous oxide works or whether it’s right for you, call us today. We can answer your questions or set up an appointment for a consultation.
