Nitrous Oxide
White Mountain Smiles is here to help. In our personalized approach, we offer nitrous oxide to assist you in receiving treatment while remaining relaxed and comfortably sedated. It could change the way you receive dental treatment for the rest of your life!
Nitrous Oxide Comfort Dentistry
• Have you put off dental care for years because of dental anxieties?
• Would you enjoy having all of your dental needs taken care of and afterwards feel like it was the best dental visit of your life?
You are not alone. In fact, approximately 40 million Americans avoid the dentist because of fear and anxiety, according to the Academy of General Dentistry.
We at White Mountain Smiles are here to help you overcome your dental anxiety and regain your confidence about visiting the dentist. In our personalized approach, we offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to assist you in receiving treatment while remaining relaxed and comfortable.
How does it work?
Nitrous Oxide gas, often referred to as laughing gas, is an effective anesthetic drug that has many benefits for patients seeking dental treatments. The gas is administered through a comfortable mask placed over the nose and the patient is instructed to breathe in through the nose and out through the mouth. Between thirty seconds and three minutes from when the gas is administered, the patient will begin to feel a pleasant level of sedation. After 5 minutes or so of breathing in the gas, the patient will feel a euphoric feeling spread throughout the body. The patient may feel a bit light headed and in some instances will get ‘the giggles’ (hence the name laughing gas!) The cheeks, gums, and fingers may also begin to feel numb in some patients.
After the gas is adjusted to the appropriate level and the patient is relaxed and sedated, Dr. Thomas can comfortably give the injection to the patient and proceed with dental treatment. After the treatment is completed, the patient is given pure oxygen to breathe for about five minutes, reversing all the effects of sedation. Unlike IV sedation or general anesthesia, the patient can almost always leave the office by themselves without an escort.
Nitrous oxide has few side effects and is one of the safest anesthetics available. Dr. Thomas finds nitrous oxide especially useful and effective in both fearful adults as well as young children. The effect of nitrous oxide in these patients is often remarkable. A patient that was anxious just a minute or two before treatment will become relaxed and calm and have an overall feeling of well-being. Because nitrous oxide is so effective, Dr. Thomas rarely needs to prescribe Valium for anxious patients before treatment. If you are nervous before any scheduled dental treatment, ask Dr. Thomas about the use of nitrous oxide for your visit — it works wonders and may change the way you receive dental care for life!
Whether you require a single filling or are looking for a complete smile makeover, anxiety-free dentistry can help you achieve optimum dental health in the most comfortable way possible. Call us today! (928) 532-7669.