You wouldn’t be the first person to want to be completely unconscious for a dental treatment. Dentophobia, or simply the fear of going to the dentist’s, is not an uncommon anxiety. Knowing you’re going to be scared and uncomfortable certainly makes it difficult to arrange an appointment, and your dentist doesn’t want you to have a negative experience in their office.
So, many practices do offer sedation options like laughing gas to help patients relax. However, it won’t “put you under”. Here’s what you need to know about laughing gas, and why it might actually be better for you than a stronger anesthetic.
Nitrous Oxide What-Now?
The more clinical name for laughing gas is nitrous oxide, or even nitrous oxide sedation. This is because the gas is composed of two things: nitrous oxide and oxygen. The combination can make you feel euphoric, hence the nickname “laughing gas”.
Not everyone becomes a cackling hyena, but some patients do get giggly after inhalation. Nitrous oxide also dulls the senses and relaxes the muscles, which is why it’s considered an effective sedation option.
“Knock-Out” Anesthetics Are Complicated
Typically, when a substance is strong enough to “knock you out” for the duration of your treatment, it requires an anesthesiologist for safe administration. Not all dental practices have an anesthesiologist on staff, which means they would have to refer you out.
In contrast, laughing gas is very simple to administer safely. Make no mistake, there are still certification requirements to ensure proper use, but it’s far more likely you’ll be able to find a practice that can provide nitrous oxide sedation in-house.
Your Wallet and Calendar Would Agree
Taking this a step further, know that requiring a specialist such as an anesthesiologist would increase the price of your treatment. It could also be a headache to schedule for, simply because you would need a safe and reliable ride home.
With nitrous oxide, patients are often aware enough to drive themselves. Overall, this sedative is effective enough to reduce anxiety and manage pain, and is probably the more convenient way to ensure your comfort.
What Do Other Dental Patients Think?
Patients’ experience with laughing gas is overwhelmingly positive. Many appreciate that it’s minimally invasive, making it particularly well-suited for those who don’t like needles or taking pills. In just a few seconds after inhaling laughing gas, they feel calm enough to withstand their treatment.
If you have dental anxiety, it’s always a good idea to contact your dentist. They can help you have a positive experience with dental sedation options like nitrous oxide and will be eager to work with you to meet your needs.
About the Author
Dr. Austin Amos keeps up with the latest advances in dental technology, so you can trust him to have up-to-date nitrous oxide sedation methods. He’s also focused on providing patients with a quality care experience – you’ll receive his complete and undivided attention as he works to address your needs and concerns. If you’re interested in scheduling a visit with nitrous oxide sedation, contact Dr. Amos’ office at 972-625-4746.