Anxious dental patient

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Sedation dentistry allows us to offer you a relaxing and comfortable experience when receiving dental treatment. It also assists those who are too anxious to visit the dentist to receive needed dental care and avoid dental phobia.

It is estimated that as much as 30 percent of people avoid dental visits because of fear. This is unfortunate because delaying or avoiding dental treatment can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and the eventual loss of teeth. It can severely compromise the health and functionality of your teeth, mouth and smile.

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Nitrous oxide is a safe and colorless gas that has been used for over a century in medical settings. Although it is commonly called "laughing gas," nitrous oxide does not typically result in laughing. It allows you to be comfortable and remain awake during your dental procedure. When nitrous oxide is used in conjunction with local anesthesia, you will experience no anxiety or pain. Your bodily functions will remain the same as they were before the administration of nitrous oxide, and its effects will wear off quickly.

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We administer nitrous oxide sedation by fitting a small mask over your nose, and you inhale the gas through it. Nitrous oxide is combined with oxygen, and these gases both remain at levels that are completely safe. Within a few seconds to minutes, you may began experiencing a floating sensation or minor tingling in your extremities. This indicates that the nitrous oxide is working. Once you are completely comfortable, we can go forward with your dental procedure.

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Nitrous oxide is not considered a local anesthesia substitute by itself. Instead, it is an anxiolytic, meaning it eliminates anxiety. For certain dental procedures, you may still require an anesthetic injection. After the administration of nitrous oxide, you will not be bothered by anything that is going on and will be entirely comfortable during your procedure.