Countless adults feel anxious and nervous at the thought of visiting their dentist for treatment. Whether you’re 15 or 80 years old, anxiety and traumatic past events can have a massive impact on your feelings about visiting a dental professional for a procedure or even a regular checkup and cleaning. Unfortunately, this is what keeps many adults from keeping on-top of their oral health and hygiene routines. With nitrous oxide dental sedation, you can feel more relaxed and at-ease in the dental office, but you’re likely wondering what the process entails and whether it’s safe for your body. Read on to learn everything you should know before getting nitrous oxide sedation.
What Exactly is Nitrous Oxide?
Nitrous oxide, also commonly referred to as laughing gas, is a colorless, odorless chemical compound comprised of two molecules of nitrogen and one molecule of oxygen. Even though it’s said to be odorless, some patients have reported that it smells and tastes faintly metallic when they’re breathing it in, while others say it’s a little sweet. It has been used for countless years, and the first record of this gas being used comes from a book published in the 1800s.
Is Nitrous Oxide Safe for Adults?
When administered by a professional who knows what they’re doing, nitrous oxide is a completely safe sedation method. Many dentists and professionals even recommend it for children who have difficulty visiting the dentist or who are sensitive to the sights and sounds in the office. The only people that shouldn’t receive nitrous oxide sedation are people with chronic respiratory issues, asthma, middle ear and ophthalmic disturbances, drug-related dependencies, latex allergies, pregnancy, or children under the age of three. The best way to learn whether nitrous oxide is safe for you is to speak with your professional.
How Long Does Nitrous Oxide Stay in Your System?
As soon as you begin inhaling the gas, it replaces air in your lungs, which keeps oxygen from reaching your brain or getting in your blood. This is what causes some patients to giggle or even experience mild hallucinations while breathing it in. The effects kick-in nearly immediately, and as fast as they occur, they also fade away. As soon as the mask is removed from your face, it only takes one to two minutes before you start to feel back to your normal self. Afterward, you’ll be able to go about your day as you normally would.
Nitrous oxide has been around for over a century, and since then, thousands of medical and dental professionals have utilized it to help patients feel more comfortable while receiving the care they require. If you experience intense anxiety, nervousness, or even have a sensitive gag reflex, this trusted form of sedation dentistry can likely benefit you, so be sure to ask your dentist about it before scheduling your next appointment with them!
About the Author
Dr. Victoria DeLeon has been working in the dental field for over a half a decade, and she enjoys every day of it! She loves helping her patients feel comfortable while they’re in the treatment chair, and she strives to make everybody’s visits enjoyable and relaxing. She is certified in Level 1 Minimal Sedation and is happy to offer nitrous oxide sedation to her anxious or nervous patients. For questions or to schedule an appointment with a sedation dentist, visit Texas Dentistry’s website or call 972-932-3918.