Nitrous Oxide Sedation - What You Need To Know

Isn’t it good to be free from fear, pain, and anxiety? Aristotle writes that happiness is the best, most noble, and most pleasant thing in the world. Nitrous oxide does just the same for you. It is a non-flammable colorless gas, commonly known as laughing gas. It does not make you laugh, but it slows you down and makes you relax throughout the procedure.

Joseph Priestley discovered Nitrous oxide in 1772. Dentist Horace Wells discovered anesthesia with Nitrous oxide (N2O) in 1844. Anesthesia-placed surgeries were an entirely new concept until it became a popular method after realizing the benefits. Enduring dental procedures became easier for patients with nitrous oxide sedation and gave doctors a broader timeframe to explore their skills. 

Why is Nitrous Oxide Used in Dental Treatments?

• With the limited space and access, it is difficult for doctors to maneuver the dental tools in your mouth. N2O gives doctors a broader timeframe. 
• The tools and atmosphere create a sense of fear and anxiety in some patients. N2O is useful in such cases to sedate the patient. 
• Kids may not be accommodating to elaborate procedures or endure the pain.
• Beneficial for patients with pharyngeal reflex - a contraction of the throat that happens when something touches the roof of your mouth, the back of your tongue or throat, or the area around your tonsils

Is Nitrous Oxide Safe?

Nitrous oxide is known for its anesthetic properties in surgeries and dentistry.

Patients are fitted with a mask to anesthetize, and they can experience the effect within a few minutes of sedation. The effect does not last long but gives doctors a window to go to the root of your problem. It does not affect your daily activity as it is thrown out soon, and your body is refilled with oxygen. When used as a sedative for surgeries, nitrous oxide is used along with oxygen. Among inhalation agents, nitrous oxide is known to have the fastest onset and low solubility. Hence, it is removed from the body quickly. There are no adverse reactions if it is administered with proper care and safety. It induces positive psychology intending to create a better experience for patients.

It requires special knowledge and skill to administer anesthesia. At Synergy Dental Arts, our doctors study dental anesthesiology, a study of anesthesia and administering the same on patients who need dental intervention as part of their treatment. Get in touch with our team to check your medical conditions before the procedure. Since it can produce minimal to deep sedation, the dosage can vary from person to person. Let our dentists decide if you can be administered with nitrous oxide or not. 

Are you planning a dental checkup soon? Schedule an appointment with us and get it done hassle-free.