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If you’re anxious about visiting your dentist, the thought of receiving relief through laughing gas might only be adding to your concerns. Maybe you’ve heard some horror stories about other anesthetics, or maybe you simply can’t relax until you know all the facts. Either way, keep reading. You’ll find that laughing gas sedation is a dependable solution for dental anxiety.
What Exactly is Laughing Gas?
“Laughing gas” is this anesthetic’s more common name, but you might find it listed under your dentist’s services as “nitrous oxide sedation”. Neither of these terms is completely accurate in a dental office. The treatment is a gas, and it does involve nitrous oxide. However, it probably won’t make you laugh, and dentists combine nitrous oxide with oxygen to make it safe to use.
This combination of gases will be administered via a mask fitted over your nose. Its calming effects will quickly take hold and soothe you, and your dentist can regulate your dosage during your treatment. You’ll be relaxed in the patient chair while your dentist works to restore your teeth to pristine condition!
Laughing Gas is Professionally Approved
The American Dental Association (ADA) has determined that laughing gas is safe to use in dentistry.
In addition to laughing gas having a sound chemical combination, laughing gas devices have security features to help prevent mistakes in administering the gas to patients. These include audio and visual cues that assist dentists, but also a failsafe system that protects patients from inhaling pure nitrous oxide. Professionals agree that laughing gas is safe to inhale in controlled environments and easy to regulate in-office!
Laughing Gas Side Effects: Little to None
Overall, laughing gas is non-addictive and doesn’t provoke allergies. Most patients are able to walk out of the dental office and drive themselves home almost as soon as they sit up from the chair.
A small number of patients experience nausea, but generally you only need to be worried about long-term effects in cases of overdose or misuse. Remember that laughing gas devices are designed to be reliable. You’ll be in good hands with your dentist!
Does Laughing Gas Make You Unconscious?
Since laughing gas is a relatively mild sedative, you might be wondering at this point if it even does anything. The short answer is yes!
While you won’t be knocked out completely, rest assured that the ADA has also determined laughing gas to be successful. It moves through your system quickly – the same properties that allow it to wear off soon after treatment allow it to relax you almost as soon as its administered. Alarming sights and sounds will diminish, and though you’ll be able to respond to your dentist, you won’t feel any pain. So no more putting off that root canal!
It’s natural to be nervous when we don’t have all the information, or when we’re expecting an unpleasant situation. You can take solace in knowing that laughing gas is a safe, effective, professionally used and approved method for making the dental environment more comfortable. If you’re still feeling jittery, that’s natural too! Contact your dentist to talk out your worries. They’ll help reassure you and do what they can to ensure a positive visit.
About the Practice
Drs. Tarangini Suggala sympathize with patients who have dental anxiety. She want to help you achieve a beautiful smile, so they promote a warm and friendly atmosphere to help you feel comfortable discussing your goals and concerns. To learn more about their sedation dentistry services, contact the practice at 972-446-1111 or visit their website.