Do you or a loved one suffer from dental anxiety? Is going to the dentist the very last thing you want to do? If you have sensitive gag reflexes, dental anxiety or fear of the dentist there is a safe and effective solution to help ease your issues called sedation dentistry. Sedation dentistry with the use of nitrous oxide helps reduce anxiety, control pain and allows you to be much more relaxed in the dental chair. This safe and popular form of anesthesia is effective and commonly used by reputable dentists.
Nitrous oxide is a colorless and almost odorless, slightly sweet smelling gas that has helped dental patients deal with their dental fears for almost 150 years. Sometimes calledlaughing gas, the process in which nitrous oxide relieves dental anxiety is no laughing matter. Nitrous oxide is easily administered while you sit in the dental chair; patients simply place a small mask over their nose and breathe regularly. When nitrous oxide is inhaled, patients instantaneously feel relaxed, while remaining awake. Patients are able to communicate in this relaxed state which is comforting to the patient and the dentist.
What makes nitrous oxide so effective is that the affects of the gas quickly wear off once the mask is removed. Patients are able to function perfectly, drive and return immediately to their daily activities after receiving nitrous oxide. This form of anesthesia is a proven method of reducing or eliminating dental anxiety. Nitrous oxides helps reduce sensitive gag reflexes, decrease involuntary movements in the dental chair, it increases pain tolerance and helps increase a patient’s tolerance to receiving dental treatments.
If you have a fear of going to the dentist, ask your dental professional if they offer sedation dentistry. Sedation dentistry will help you gain a refreshed and anxiety free attitude about going to the dentist. Your mouth and smile will thank you!
