Q:
What is nitrous oxide (laughing gas)/oxygen.
A: Nitrous oxide oxygen is a combination of two gasses, oxygen
and nitrous oxide. They are inhaled by the patient through a mask on their nose
for the entire length of the procedure. When the body absorbs them, it has a
calming effect. At the end of the appointment 100% oxygen is given to the patient
to reverse the effects, the patient is then back to normal, able to drive home
and return to a normal daily routine.
Q:
Who can benefit from nitrous oxide/ oxygen?
A: It is safe and effective, for both children and adults.
It may not work for everyone, people with nasal congestion, severe anxiety or
discomfort wearing a nasal mask may not benefit.
Q:
What does the patient feel when breathing nitrous oxide/ oxygen?
A: It’s different for everyone. Most experience relaxation,
a sense of well being while others may feel tingling in their hands and feet
or may experience weightlessness as if they were floating. It’s mainly
a sense of carelessness about what is happening in their mouths for those who
are apprehensive about sound sight.
Q:
Are there any special instructions for nitrous oxide/ oxygen?
A: Let your dentist know if your are taking medication or if
you have problems breathing through you nose (nasal congestion). Also eat little
or no food before your appointment.
Q:
How safe is nitrous oxide/ oxygen?
A: Very safe. Nitrous oxide/ oxygen is nonaddictive, it is
taken easily and the effects are quickly reversed after breathing oxygen.
There are many options available to you today in dentistry that was not, many years ago. Our focus is on pain free dentistry so that patients become comfortable coming to the office regularly. Patients can choose the option of having their treatment done awake or asleep.