Dentists understand that many patients have a fear or phobia of dentistry treatments, needles, and the sounds dental devices make. The fear some patients experience can cause them to avoid getting the treatments they need to maintain their oral health. For this reason, many dentists offer sedation dentistry to patients.
Sedation dentistry is a technique used to help patients feel relaxed and comfortable during their dental appointments. Thought patients are conscious for the entire duration of the appointment, able to answer questions and respond to their dentist, sedation dentistry allows them to remain in a state of relaxation, allowing for a more positive overall dental experience.
When a patient elects to have sedation dentistry, they have the option of taking a pill orally, or having their dentist administer nitrous oxide. Nitrous oxide is administered through a mask placed over the patient's nose. The patient is then asked to take several deep breaths to inhale the nitrous oxide. The effects of the nitrous oxide are immediate and quickly help the patient relax.
Advantages of Using Nitrous Oxide for Sedation Dentistry
The advantages of using nitrous oxide over pills and other sedation dentistry techniques include:
The effects of the nitrous oxide begin immediately, and wear off quicklyYou can drive yourself to and from your appointmentThe level of sedation can be adjusted to control your comfortNitrous oxide relieves painYou can resume your daily activities following your appointmentYou will not feel groggy afterwardsNitrous oxide can be used during any cosmetic dentistry or general dentistry treatment. Some patients require sedation dentistry even during a routine teeth cleaning because their anxiety is so acute. Other patients only need sedation dentistry during longer dental appointments or treatments. Nitrous oxide is an ideal choice for both short and long appointments.
The amount of nitrous oxide your dentist administers can be easily controlled depending on your needs. Some patients experience a small amount of anxiety during their dental appointments and thus only require a small amount of nitrous oxide, while others who experience a great amount of anxiety will require a larger amount of nitrous oxide to help them relax. Your dentist can adjust the amount of nitrous oxide you receive to meet your needs.
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