Nitrous Oxide Sedation Dentistry in Edmonton – Pain Free & Comfortable

Nitrous oxide sedation dentistry is useful if

• You are unnerved by dental visits.
• The external stimulus such as the noise of the drilling machine, smell of various chemicals bothers you.
• You have complicated dental problems which require various visits.
• You have sensitive teeth and bad gag reflex.
• You have a busy scheduled with little time to spare for dental appointments.
• You fear needles, injections etc.
• The various numbing medications used at the dental clinic don’t work well for you.

Facts about N2O

• It relaxes the nerves and calms the anxious mind.
• It has both analgesic (pain relieving) and anxiolytic effect(anxiety reducing).
• Unlike other sedation techniques which need the use of anesthetic as well, this gas mixture acts as ‘ a two-in-one.
• It is a non-invasive procedure.
• The action starts immediately after administration and the effect is seen soon.
• Typically, within 3 minutes of inhalation, the calming and soothing effect starts in.
• Bodily side-effects are mild or nil; a small increase in blood pressure is common.
• Unlike other anaesthetics, there is no change in the rate of heart beat.
• Unlike other sedatives, the nitrous oxide can be administered in increments until the desired effect sets in. So there is a lesser chance of an overdose.
• It has been regarded to be safe and is even used commonly in paediatric dentistry.
• Allergic symptoms to nitrous oxide have not been reported.
• It is proven safe for patients with medical conditions like heart disease, epilepsy, liver disorders etc.
• The nitrous oxide quickly leaves the body system and so a healthier option among the sedatives.( within 3-5 minutes after stopping supply of nitrous oxide). Hence there is no ‘hangover effect’.
• Not necessary for anyone to accompany the patient to the dentist or back home(if the dental procedure is relatively simple).

How is Nitrous oxide administered?

• A mixture comprising of 25-50% Nitrous oxide and the remaining oxygen is common when the purpose of usage is to reduce anxiety.
• A mixture of Nitrous oxide and oxygen gas is stored in canisters and is administered to the patient with the help of a tube called nasal canula and a nasal inhalation mask with partitions for inhalation for delivering the analgesic and exhalation which is connected to vacuum.
• The flow is regulated with the help of a valve.
• The equipment is calibrated at regular intervals to ascertain a leaf proof and guaranteed service system.
• New disposable masks are also available which doesn’t need sterilization after usage and hence user friendly
• Certain features are included in the modern inhalation sedation systems like an alarm, oxygen flush button, emergency air inlet, lock system etc
• The mixture of gases is administered to the patient by gradually increasing the concentration until desired. This method is known as titration in dentistry. This method takes time but is recommended for reducing any chances of overdose

Summary of Effects

• Analgesic effect: It interacts with the opioid receptors in the mid-brain and activates the descending inhibitory path ways.This alters the way pain is processed in the spinal cord region.
• Anxiolytic effect: By interacting with the receptors, the effect of GABA (Gamma Amino Butyric acid, a neurotransmitter ) is enhanced. Pre-synaptic cells are inhibited to transmit a nerve impulse and this reduces anxiety and stress.

Side effects

• This is rarely seen; though the most noticed one being nausea and vomiting which is attributed to the usage of higher concentration of Nitrous oxide in the mixture.
• Only 1% of the children administered have been found to have even mild side effects.
• The effect can be reversed by removing the supply of Nitrous oxide and providing the patient with plenty of oxygen supply

Contraindications: