What Patients Should Know About Nitrous Oxide Sedation Dentistry
Sometimes dental care can prove quite stressful for people, especially if they suffer from anxiety or fear when it comes to dental visits. Thankfully there are many options out there to improve patient experience at the dentist’s office. A skilled cosmetic dentist will work to reduce potential stress and anxiety during different phases of treatment, using the latest techniques and technologies available to enhance the overall patient experience.
Right now, we’d like to take a moment to focus on nitrous oxide sedation and how it can be very beneficial to patients of different kinds.
About Sedation Dentistry Techniques
Sedation dentistry refers to different techniques that a dentist can use to make their patients achieve a state of relaxation. There are multiple levels of relaxation to consider, from mild and conscious sedation to full unconsciousness. The level of sedation that a patient will receive will depend on their needs and the dental treatment that they will undergo.
What is nitrous oxide sedation?
Nitrous oxide sedation refers to the patient inhaling nitrous oxide prior to undergoing dental care treatment. You may be familiar with nitrous oxide by the colloquial term “laughing gas.” The patient’s inhalation of nitrous oxide will be carefully monitored so that relaxation is achieved and maintained for the designated amount of time.
Given the nature of sedation dentistry (even as mild as nitrous oxide sedation), it will be necessary for the patient to have a friend or family member drive them home after treatment. This is simply to ensure the safety of the patient.
Who is an ideal candidate for nitrous oxide sedation?
The best candidates for sedation dentistry are people who are undergoing general dentistry (e.g., routine cleanings and diagnostics), cosmetic dentistry (e.g., porcelain veneers and teeth whitening), or restorative dentistry (e.g., dental restorations and root canal therapy).
A general list of candidates is as follows:
- People who suffer from dental phobia
- People undergoing involved/invasive dental work
- People with a poor gag reflex
- People who have trouble sitting still
- People who suffer from Parkinson’s disease
- People who suffer from cerebral palsy
Other Options for Dental Sedation
In addition to nitrous oxide sedation, there are also sedation options that involve intravenous (IV) sedative drugs and oral medications that are taken prior to the dental visit. These options for sedation tend to yield deeper levels of relaxation for the patient than nitrous oxide inhalation.
Making the Right Choices for You and Your Needs
During your consultation at our practice, we will be sure to consider your situation and all of your options available for sedation. If you only require mild sedation or conscious sedation, nitrous oxide will certainly be considered over other kinds of dental sedation. We will make sure that your understand all facets of your treatment so that you can make well-informed and empowered decisions about your dental wellness.
Learn More About Advanced Dental Care Treatments
For more information about sedation dentistry and how it can help you experience excellent and anxiety-free dental care, be sure to contact our Atlanta cosmetic and restorative dentistry practice today. The team at Feather Touch Dental Care looks forward to meeting you in person and helping you achieve total dental wellness.