Nitrous oxide sedation
For some people, even the simplest dental treatments can cause a lot of stress. That’s why we offer conscious sedation, an approach that can help you keep anxiety in check while you visit the dentist. It allows you to get important oral health care and create positive associations with dental clinics.
What is conscious sedation?
It’s an anaesthetic that helps patients feel calm and relaxed. Patients feel slightly detached from the situation, but they nonetheless remain lucid and can answer questions.
This effect is achieved with a combination of oxygen and nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas. It’s a mild treatment that has a depressive effect on the brain.
You breathe the gas through a mask and it takes effect very quickly. The level of sedation is easy to adjust as needed.
Why is laughing gas used in dentistry?
Anxiety can be very unpleasant for patients of all ages. It can deter people from visiting the dentist and we often see patients with poor oral health caused by their fear of the dentist.
Whatever the cause of their fear—urban myths, certain sounds or tastes—conscious sedation is a safe way to put patients’ minds at ease. Patients can create a positive connection with their dentist and take control of their oral health.
Advantages of laughing gas
- Painless
- Safe for patients as young as three (as long as they agree to wear the mask)
- Fast-acting (three to five minutes)
- Patient stays fully awake
- Effect ends minutes after administration of the gas ceases
- No side effects, allowing patients to resume regular activities right away
- Patients do not need someone to bring them home
If you’re anxious about seeing the dentist, let us know when you book your appointment. Conscious sedation is suitable for patients of all ages and for most treatments, including: dental check-ups, fillings, periodontal treatments, extractions and more…