Hearing you or your child may need sedation for your next dentist visit can sound a little scary.
However, when done in a controlled environment and by a trained professional, sedation dentistry in Terre Haute is nothing to worry about. While some sedatives may pack a stronger punch, laughing gas is widely considered one of the safest sedation options there is, often being used even for children.
Keep reading to discover everything you need to know about laughing gas and how it works.
Laughing gas (nitrous oxide) is a chemical compound often used as a sedative, especially in a dental practice. The compound is two parts oxygen, and one part nitrogen and is inhaled shortly before a dental procedure in order to help patients stay calm and relaxed.
The dentist will apply a small mask over the patient’s nose. As they inhale the compound, the gas replaces the air in the lungs and limits the amount of pure oxygen that travels through your body. This is how laughing gas can help alter a person’s mood.
All you have to do in order to feel the effect is to breathe normally through the mask. The effects usually kick in within a few minutes. Once the procedure is done, the dentist will replace the gas with oxygen, and as you continue to breathe in, you will essentially flush out all remaining nitrous oxide from your system.
Not only is it a mild sedative, but the effects also do not last long at all. Many patients can drive themselves home after the procedure.
Laughing gas is perfectly safe at the dentist’s office, where the amount of sedative and your exposure to it is properly controlled.
Not only that, but throughout your entire procedure, your dentist will closely monitor you. That being said, you may experience some mild side effects:
It’s worth noting that these side effects are very uncommon, and they usually only last as long as the laughing gas is in your system. If you or your child are experiencing any discomfort because of the gas, the dentist will switch the tank to oxygen, and as you breathe it in, you will start feeling better.
Laughing gas is a mild sedative and will not make you fall asleep. Most patients feel relaxed and even slightly giggly, especially children, which is actually where the gas got its name.
Some patients can doze off, but they are not fully asleep and can still hear the dentist and react.
If you want to improve the health of your smile, Dr. Roshini Durga Paruchuri and Dr. Nilanchal Sahai are at your service.
Book an appointment at Vivid Smiles online to get started.
2512 Wabash Avenue
Terre Haute, IN 47803
Mon-Fri: 9am - 6pm
Sat: 9am - 4pm
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