If you are one of the many people who suffer from dental anxiety, you may be wondering how you can get dental treatment under sedation.
There are three forms of sedation commonly used in general practice:
- Nitros Oxide (or “laughing gas”)
- IV Sedation
- Oral Sedation
In this post, we will discuss the pros and cons of Nitrous Oxide. In the majority of cases, it’s used in dental sedation for kids, and can be used in adults where IV Sedation is not appropriate.
Nitrous Oxide (commonly known as Laughing Gas)
One of the main advantages is that it is one of the safest forms of sedation available. The gas is delivered nasally, through a small mask over your nose that you breathe in and out of.
Nitrous Oxide is then combined with Oxygen automatically by specialist machines, to ensure safe and effective delivery,
The impact? It helps you become more accepting of treatment, more relaxed, and a lot less stressed so you can complete treatment.
It’s been used for over 100 years in dentistry and is a very popular choice for patients who are anxious about dental treatment.
Nitrous Oxide is fast acting
Sedation with Nitrous Oxide takes effect very quickly, so you will start to feel more relaxed within a few minutes of inhaling the gas.
Since it’s the shortest lasting, recovery time is super quick. You will be able to drive and return to work immediately after your appointment. We have many patients across Essex who have an appointment in the morning and return to work right after the appointment.
It is important to note that Nitrous Oxide does not put you to sleep, but combining with Local Anaesthetic it means we can create a stress free, and importantly pain free dental experience for you.
The main disadvantage
Both an Advantage and a Disadvantage is that Inhalation Sedation only works for a short period of time. It’s “shallower” in terms of pain relief and sedative effect, when compared to the other types of Sedation.
Depending on your level of anxiety or worry, it might not be right for you as a result.
We typically see Nitrous Oxide or Inhalation Sedation being used for shorter treatments with adults eg for Fillings or Hygiene Visits.
For longer or more complex appointments, patients typically do opt for IV sedation which does provide deeper sedative affect.
If you’re looking for a Dentist who offers Sedation in Chelmsford and the wider Essex region, then please contact us today. Danbury Dental Care is the leading provider of Sedation serving many patients who visit us from across Essex, and we’d be happy to help you.
