Nitrous Oxide – Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
Stay Calm and Collected During Dental Procedures
Here at Ponte Vedra Complete Dentistry, our gentle touch and compassionate personalities help our patients feel at ease. However, we also recognize that sometimes more is necessary in order for our patients to truly relax. If the thought of undergoing dental procedures makes you a little nervous, please let us know. We may recommend that you are sedated via nitrous oxide during your appointment. It provides a safe, effective avenue through which you can release your fears and enjoy a stress-free time in our office.
How Does Nitrous Oxide Sedation Work?
Nitrous oxide is otherwise known as “laughing gas” due to its ability to produce a feeling of well-being or even giddiness in patients. It is mixed with oxygen before we administer it through a nasal mask. It is a colorless, mostly odorless gas. However, we might add a pleasant scent to it to further enhance your dental care experience. Almost as soon as you inhale it, you will begin to experience its effects.
Generally, patients feel calm, relaxed, and happy while they are breathing in the nitrous oxide. You might also notice that your limbs feel heavy. It is also possible that you will drift off to sleep. However, the nitrous oxide will not make you unconscious. If you doze off, it will be easy for us to awaken you with a slight shake.
Your dentist will be able to adjust your level of sedation throughout your procedure to make sure you stay safe and comfortable. When our team is done working on your mouth and your nasal mask is removed, the results of the nitrous oxide will wear off very quickly.
Am I a Candidate for Nitrous Oxide?
If you feel a little nervous about your upcoming dental appointment, nitrous oxide may be able to help you. However, dental fears and anxieties are not the only reasons why we might recommend sedation. It is also suitable for patients who:
- Have a strong gag reflex
- Find it difficult to sit still for extended periods of time
- Have trouble keeping their mouth open for a long time
Nitrous oxide is safe for most patients. However, if you are pregnant or have certain other medical conditions, your dentist may not recommend it for you.
What Is the Recovery Time?
As mentioned above, nitrous oxide wears of very quickly. In fact, it will even be safe for you to drive yourself home from your appointment. Some patients experience a nitrous oxide-related headache, but we strive to prevent that issue by administering oxygen for a few minutes after we cut off a patient’s flow of nitrous oxide gas.
Are You Ready to Learn More?
Nitrous oxide is just one of the sedation options we offer at Ponte Vedra Complete Dentistry. Our goal is to help our patients have an enjoyable, easy experience every time they visit our office. To learn more about us and the comforts we provide, reach out to our friendly team today.
Nitrous Oxide FAQs
If you need a little help to relax during your next dental visit, we may recommend that you be sedated with nitrous oxide. Before that time comes, however, you may have questions about this type of sedation and how it works. That is why we have compiled this brie list of FAQs, along with their answers. If you do not see the information you were hoping for, you are welcome to contact us directly so we can personally assist you.
How Does Nitrous Oxide Affect the Body and Brain?
Although nitrous oxide has been in use for more than 200 years, science is still not 100% clear on how it affects the body and the brain. Some believe that its anesthetic effects are due to the blockage of a certain type of glutamate receptor. It may also stimulate opioid receptors.
How Does Nitrous Oxide Compare to Other Types of Sedation?
There are multiple types of dental sedation in Ponte Vedra Beach. Nitrous oxide is the mildest form and wears off the quickest. If you suffer from severe dental anxiety or find a nasal mask to be uncomfortable, we might recommend that you use oral conscious sedation instead. Oral conscious sedation involves the use of a sedative pill that you swallow about an hour before a dental procedure begins. It is quite powerful and may produce mild amnesia that prevents you from remembering your treatment.
How Much Does Nitrous Oxide Sedation Cost?
Nitrous oxide is one of the most affordable forms of dental sedation. We will give you an estimate for its price during your consultation. Generally, its cost depends on how long we expect a procedure to last; the longer your treatment is, the more nitrous oxide you will need to stay relaxed throughout it. In many cases, dental insurance is willing to help cover the cost of nitrous oxide if it is deemed a necessary part of your treatment.
What Procedures Is Nitrous Oxide Used For?
Your dentist in Ponte Vedra Beach may approve the use of nitrous oxide during virtually any procedure if a patient requests it or if circumstances indicate that sedation is necessary. This is true even if the treatment is relatively simple and routine. For example, very nervous patients or special needs children may be sedated during regular cleanings and exams. Nitrous oxide may also be used during more invasive procedures, such as extractions and restorative services.