Nitrous

We care about the safety of adults and children at Dr. Cabrera Dental Associates in Houston, that is why we use nitrous oxide. Also known as laughing gas, nitrous oxide is one of the safest forms of sedation available, effective for the whole family.

Nitrous oxide is hypo-allergenic, nonirritating, and has few, if any, reported side effects. The gas works by affecting the central nervous system. A mask is placed over your nose and attached to a machine that regulates the mixture nitrogen and oxygen you receive. You simply breathe in and out normally. Most patients begin to feel the effects within five minutes of being administered the sedation.

When your procedure is almost finished, the nitrous is gradually replaced with oxygen, following the dental procedure. The effects of the nitrous oxide are reversed completely by resuming normal breathing. Your Houston dentist will even allow you to drive yourself home. There are many benefits to using nitrous oxide sedation during dental procedures.

Some common reasons include:

• Nitrous oxide eases anxiety and provides a comfortable feeling
• Patients are not unconscious – they remain aware during treatment
• The depth of sedation can be adjusted multiple times throughout the procedure
• Saliva flow and the gag reflex is temporarily decreased
• Nitrous oxide helps reduce the discomfort of having an injection of local anesthesia
• For some patients, small children, in particular, it is used instead of an injectable anesthetic

The best part, Houston dentists use nitrous oxide to eliminate fear and anxiety by helping patients relax. Just about anyone can have nitrous oxide. There are virtually no side effects reported with the use of nitrous oxide. However, some patients with asthma and those who suffer from bronchitis or other serious lung disorder may choose to opt out. The decision to use the gas will be made by you and your Dr. Cabrera Dental Associates dentist in Houston. Make sure the Houston dental clinic is up-to-date with all of your medical records.