When Would Dental Nitrous Oxide Be Recommended by a Dentist?

Nitrous oxide, also called “laughing gas,” is a form of sedation in which the patient inhales the agent through a mask that fits over their nose. The patient is still fully aware while using dental nitrous oxide, and they can respond to anything the dentist or their staff says. Dental nitrous oxide is one of the safer and milder forms of sedation available in dentistry. 

When a dentist might recommend dental nitrous oxide

Dental nitrous oxide can seem more intimidating than it really is, which is why many simply refer to it as “laughing gas,” which is named after the relaxing effect that the sedation agent can have. The following are four times when a dentist may actually recommend dental nitrous oxide to a patient. 

The patient requests dental nitrous oxide

Due to the safety and effectiveness of dental nitrous oxide, dentists are generally willing to accommodate patients who request the sedation agent before a dental procedure. Patients may request dental nitrous oxide out of concern the procedure may be invasive and cause discomfort or because of a specific fear they have, such as the fear of needles. Nitrous oxide could be requested for simple procedures that do not require sedation or, in some instances, for more invasive procedures that typically require a stronger sedative. 

The procedure is minimally invasive

Dental nitrous oxide is commonly used for procedures that can cause some discomfort but are not highly invasive. This can include dental fillings, deep dental cleanings, and other common procedures. However, procedures that are more invasive may require a deeper level of sedation to help ensure the patient is comfortable and pain-free during the treatment. 

The patient has dental anxiety or phobias

Some patients are afraid of needles. In fact, it is one of the more common fears related to dental or medical care. For patients that are scheduled to undergo a more invasive procedure but prefer an alternative to sedation methods that require injection, dental nitrous oxide may be an option. On the other hand, patients with dental anxiety who are going through a simple dental procedure such as a cavity filling may also benefit from the use of nitrous oxide. 

It may be used to prevent a bad experience for a child

As mentioned, nitrous oxide has minimal risks and is safe for most patients to use. Due to its level of safety, it is commonly used for children to help them avoid any bad experiences at the dentist. It is frequently used for fillings or could be used for something as simple as the application of dental sealants. 

Schedule a check-up visit with our dental team today

Here at our dental practice, we strive to keep our patients as comfortable as possible during their visit with us. For more invasive procedures or for patients who have dental anxiety, dental nitrous oxide may be recommended. To learn more or to schedule a visit, give us a call today.

Request an appointment here: https://smilesonmichigan.com or call Smiles On Michigan at (312) 509-9492 for an appointment in our Chicago office.

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