Medical experts have been using nitrous oxide as oral sedation for their patients for more than 200 years. If your kid has a fear of dental procedures or does not want to sit still for a long operation, getting nitrous oxide sedation can help.
The dentist uses nitrous oxide sedation for a wide assortment of dental treatments like filling cavities, cleaning teeth, etc. A few procedures may also need local anaesthesia. According to the AAPD, laughing gas is safe for children and adults. Usually, tiny doses of laughing gas are harmless. So when planning any dental treatment, you can discuss sedation options with your dentist.
What is Nitrous Oxide? What is the Purpose of It?
Nitrous oxide (aka laughing gas) is a non-flammable, colorless gas with a sweet smell. It is prepared by heating ammonium nitrate. The dentist in Houston, TX uses it to create fast but temporary feelings of calmness, euphoria, detachment, and relaxation.
How It is Used in Dentistry?
Nitrous oxide sedation uses a combination of oxygen and nitrogen inhaled via a mask worn over the nose. The patient will stay awake throughout the process.
Below are the advantages of nitrous oxide sedation in Houston, TX:
Wears off Speedily
Laughing gas wears off as soon as the breathing mask is changed to produce 100% oxygen.
Minimizes Stress and Fear
Nitrous oxide sedation helps you relax and stay calm during dental fillings or other dental treatments. It not only ensures physical safety but also creates a positive dental experience. Compared to other kinds of sedation dentistry, laughing gas relaxes you without putting you to sleep.
No Need for Injection
When compared to IV sedation, the patent does not require any injection to receive this type of sedation. It also causes no complications in the brain, liver, heart, kidneys, or lungs.
The dentist can also change the depth of sedation as per the needs. But other sedation options have a fixed duration of action because the effects of intravenous sedatives or pills usually stay for a specific period.
Is Nitrous Oxide Safe?
Nitrous oxide sedation is 100% safe for people of all age groups, including kids. It does not damage your internal organs. Below are the most common risk associated with lying gas:
- Dizziness
- Fatigue.
- Shivering.
- Excess Sweating.
- Vomiting.
- Nausea.
- Distortion of sound or Hallucination after the inhalation.
These side effects will fade off at the end of the treatment.
How Is Nitrous Oxide Administered?
The dentist at Cabrera Dental Associates will give nitrous oxide via a tiny mask that fits over the nose. As the patient breathes, the gas moves in the lungs. The effects usually take 5 minutes.
Once the professional finish the dental treatment, he/she turns off the nitrous oxide. The patient will breathe oxygen for several minutes to clear the leftover gas. The expert will recommend a light meal before the appointment because the laughing gas may cause mild nausea.
Things to Expect
Here is what you can expect:
Before Sedation
- To enhance the overall experience, the dentist motivates parents to dress in comfortable clothes.
- You must tell your doctor if you have a cold, ear infection, or other serious respiratory diseases.
- The professional will also review the complete medical history, including medicines, vitamins, prescriptions, or supplements.
During Sedation
- The doctor motivates parents to leave their other kids at home or in the office waiting area. It will help to focus the complete care on the kid getting nitrous oxide sedation.
After Sedation
After the use of nitrous oxide, there are no lasting effects.
- Patients will get back to their daily routines.
- He/she may consume soft food varieties for a few hours. It usually depends on dental treatment.
- If there is severe bleeding, vomiting, fever, or serious pain, get in touch with the dentist South Houston as soon as possible.
Who is the Ideal Candidate for Nitrous Oxide Sedation?
The following people are suitable candidates for this type of sedation:
- That does not want to undergo complex dental treatment.
- That has stress and fear about dental treatments and visits.
- That has a strong gag reflex.
- That has difficulty sticking to the dentist’s instructions and sitting still.
- That has a short attention span.
- That has special healthcare needs.
- They are resistant to local anesthesia because of fear.
