If the thought of having dental work done makes you feel nervous or afraid, your dentist may recommend nitrous oxide sedation. Thanks to this common example of advanced dental technology, it’s possible for patients with dental anxiety to stay calm and comfortable during their appointments. But is this option truly safe for you? Here’s what you need to know about dental nitrous oxide in Delray Beach before you decide to have it administered at your next dental visit.
How Does Nitrous Oxide Sedation Work?
This form of dental sedation involves inhaling a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen through a special mask placed over your nose. After a few minutes of breathing in the nitrous oxide, you’ll start to feel significantly relaxed and unbothered by what’s going on around you. You’ll remain conscious and capable of following any directions your dentist gives you. Once your treatment is complete and the mask is removed, it will only take a few minutes for the effects of the nitrous oxide to completely wear off.
Is Nitrous Oxide Sedation Considered Safe?
The short answer is yes; as long as nitrous oxide sedation is administered by a trained professional, it is generally considered a very safe way to keep dental anxiety under control. The vast majority of healthy people can have nitrous oxide sedation administered without notable problems.
Some patients may experience a few unpleasant side effects as a result of nitrous oxide sedation, such as nausea, dizziness, fatigue, shivering, and sweating. However, these symptoms generally wear off relatively quickly once you stop breathing in the gas.
It’s worth noting that nitrous oxide sedation is not suitable for everyone. In particular, it is not recommended for those with chronic pulmonary disease or certain other kinds of medical conditions. Your dentist will need to perform a thorough review of your health history in order to determine whether nitrous oxide sedation is truly right for you.
Are You a Good Candidate for Nitrous Oxide Sedation?
If you qualify for nitrous oxide sedation, it could be a good option for you if:
- You experience mild to moderate feelings of anxiety when it comes to visiting the dentist.
- You have an unusually strong gag reflex.
- You have sensitive teeth or gums.
- You have trouble sitting still for long periods of time.
In short, nitrous oxide sedation offers a safe way to help patients have a more positive experience at the dentist’s office. If you think you could benefit from nitrous oxide during your next dental appointment, you can speak to your dentist to see what they recommend.
About the Author
Dr. Cornelia Dadaciu has been helping patients improve and maintain the health of their smiles for more than 20 years. She went to the Ovidius University School of Dentistry in Romania as well as the Nova Southeastern University School of Dentistry in the United States. At Delray Beach Smile Design, she is proud to be able to use nitrous oxide sedation to help her patients stay comfortable in the dental chair. If you’re interested in visiting a dentist who puts your comfort first, you can schedule an appointment with Dr. Dadaciu by visiting her website, using her online booking tool, or calling (561) 404-4804.