The fear and anxiety of visiting dental clinics is actually common. With nitrous oxide sedation, this fear can be masked and replaced with assurance, calm and happiness.
Nitrous oxide (N2O), popularly known as Laughing gas is a colorless and odorless gas is non irritant in nature. It is known to create pleasurable sensation in the one who inhales it.
It was in the early 19th century that an American dentist named Horace Wells discovered that the gas could be used in dental procedures and used it on himself with very good results.
The method of administering N2O to patients have improved in the last decade and it is now considered completely safe and supremely effective.
Pure N2O cannot be used for extended durations and as such the dose administered for dental procedures is a mix of N2O and O2. Many dentists use N2O-O2 mixture with equal proportions of both gases – this mix is commonly known as ethanox.
Soon after inhalation there is definite light-headedness, followed by a vibrating and tingling sensation after which most patients will feel warmer and a feeling of happiness and well-being. The picture on the left shows a patient numb, dizzy and happy after N2O administration.
Higher levels of sedation can induce sleepiness. If over-sedated, the patient will experience nausea and extreme sleepiness to the point that it will be almost impossible to speak or even keep the eyes open.
It is not completely known whether it causes teratogenic effects ( birth defects) and so is not recommended if one is in their first trimester of pregnancy. People with cardiac dysfunction and those with persistent nasal congestion. It is also not typically administered for people with claustrophobia(fear of feeling trapped in enclosed spaces). Hence a complete disclosure of your medical history with your dental practitioner is very essential to help him determine the best method suitable for you.
The dental team who provide sedation dentistry care need to have undergone a special training. You might want to enquire if your dentist has the permit and license to give sedation treatments.
If you are looking for a nitrous oxide sedation dentist in Edmonton, please call our Edmonton Clinic at 780-471-4842. At Beverly Heights Dental, Dr.Vidya Janardhanan is fully qualified and certified to administer sedation dentistry treatments.