Laughing gas is a form of sedation dentistry that takes away your dental anxiety. It is safely used for invasive procedures, tooth cleaning and to almost everything. However, your dentist will determine how to use it based on the severity of your anxiety.
Safe and Effective
This form of sedation dentistry is safe and effective as recognized by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. It is effective in reducing anxiety. However, before using it, your dentist will first evaluate your situation.
Nicholas S St George DDS is an expert in controlling the anxiety and pain of his patients. Although pain and anxiety can be mitigated using psychological technology, some patients or situations may require the application of drugs.
Dentists use laughing gas to diminish or eliminate pain and anxiety during a dental procedure. It is given to a conscious patient. This form of sedation allows the patient to respond to verbal commands. Dentists will need to monitor the patient’s vital signs and ensure that they are stable throughout the procedure.
Since all vital signs are stable, patients will not lose their protective reflexes. They can go back to their regular activities after the procedure.
Reducing the pain through the implementation of laughing gas will make it easier for the dentist to perform the required procedure. It also allows the patient to tolerate an unpleasant procedure.
The result of laughing gas is dependent on the patients’ response to the sedation. However, the clinical effect of laughing gas is more predictable.
Who can benefit from laughing gas?
If you are anxious or fearful of undergoing a dental procedure, then this sedation is ideal for your case. Patients with special health care needs may benefit from it. If you have a severe gag reflex that deters your dental care, then this sedation can help as well.
An uncooperative child may also benefit from it, especially if he needs to undergo a dental procedure that takes an hour or so to complete.
Before using this sedation, however, your dentist will first review your medical history. He will determine whether or not you have allergic reactions to laughing gas or nitrous oxide. Some of your medications may interfere with the result of this sedation.
Even though laughing gas is safe and effective, it may not be effective to some patients. If you are nauseous when taking nitrous oxide, then it may not be ideal for you. If you have a cold during the procedure, then your dentist may not recommend it because you can’t inhale the gas properly. And if you’re not comfortable wearing an oxygen mask, then you may not be a good candidate.
Talk to your dentist about the possibility of using laughing gas when undergoing a procedure. It can help in reducing your anxiety while your dentist can expedite the procedure. As previously mentioned, laughing gas is safe and effective to adults and children.
If you are not sure whether or not you are a good candidate for laughing gas, make sure to schedule an appointment with Nicholas S St George DDS. He can determine whether or not you can take advantage of this type of sedation.