Manage Your Dental Anxiety With Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, offers a safe and effective way to ease pain and anxiety for both children and adults during dental treatment. Its mild sedation wears off quickly, so you can comfortably return to your day right after your visit.
Contrary to popular belief, nitrous oxide doesn’t put you to sleep; instead, it helps you relax, reducing pain sensitivity, gag reflex, and anxiety during your dental treatment.
The Benefits of Dental Sedation
Sedation and sleep dentistry are valuable options for patients facing various challenges. Here are some key benefits:
Overcoming Dental Anxiety
Fear or anxiety shouldn’t prevent you from receiving necessary dental care. If you’re nervous or anxious about treatment, let us know—we can use sedation to help you feel more at ease.
Making Time Fly By
For longer procedures that require you to stay in the chair, sedation helps you stay relaxed and comfortable, making the process feel quicker. With IV sedation, it may even feel like just a moment has passed.
Tailored for Your Personal Needs
Whether you have a sensitive gag reflex, chronic restlessness, or find local anesthesia ineffective, sedation can be tailored to suit your needs, making dental treatment accessible and comfortable for everyone.
What Happens During Nitrous Oxide Sedation?
Discussion
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Before proceeding with nitrous oxide sedation, your dentist will review your medical history to confirm it’s a safe option. However, it may not be recommended if any of the following conditions apply:
- You’re in the first trimester of pregnancy
- You have respiratory issues
- You have a vitamin B-12 deficiency
- You have a history of substance abuse
- You suffer from mental illness
Quick and Efficient
Once your dentist confirms that nitrous oxide is suitable for you, the treatment begins. The process is straightforward: a mask is placed snugly over your nose and mouth, and you’re asked to breathe deeply and relax.
One of the main advantages of nitrous oxide is how quickly its effects wear off. After the procedure, the dentist will provide at least five minutes of pure oxygen to help clear the nitrous oxide from your system.
Aftercare
If a numbing medication was used, you might still feel some facial numbness, but the relaxing effects of the nitrous oxide will disappear once the mask is removed. After your dental treatment, you can safely return to work and enjoy your regular meals.
The Cost of Nitrous Oxide Treatment in London, Ontario
The cost of nitrous oxide treatment depends on your insurance coverage, and many plans fully cover the procedure. Typically, you can expect to pay between $100 and $300.
It’s best to check with your insurance provider for a quote before your visit.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sedation makes you feel drowsy and relaxed quite quickly, with some patients noting a mild tingling sensation. You might also experience mild amnesia, so you may not remember the procedure afterwards.
Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is a colourless, odourless gas used by dentists to help patients relax during dental treatments.
Inhaled through a mask, nitrous oxide helps you feel more relaxed and less anxious by altering your perception of pain and anxiety.
No, you will remain conscious and aware throughout the procedure, with nitrous oxide simply helping you to relax.
It’s generally not recommended to drive right after receiving nitrous oxide, as the effects can linger briefly and may affect your coordination and judgment. It’s best to have a responsible adult drive you home.
The relaxation effect of nitrous oxide wears off quickly, usually within a few minutes after the gas is turned off.
Yes, nitrous oxide is often used for various dental treatments in children, such as cleanings, fillings, and extractions. Your dentist will assess its suitability based on your child’s specific needs and medical history.
It’s best to avoid heavy meals a few hours before your appointment if you plan to use nitrous oxide. Your dentist will provide detailed instructions.