Manchester Sedation Dentist Helping Patients Relax

Who is a Good Candidate for Nitrous Oxide Dental Sedation?

Technically, almost anyone is a good candidate for nitrous oxide sedation – kids, adults, and even seniors. Its sedative and methods are both safe and highly effective.

Still, some patients do benefit from it more than others. In particular, this sedation works best for those with the following:

• A fear of needles
• A hard time sitting still or comfortably
• Dental sensitivity
• Gag reflex issues
• Anxiety or overstimulation related to dentistry
• Resistance to numbing agents

At the same time, some patients may be a bad fit for nitrous oxide. For example, pregnant women might risk their infant if exposed to this gas. Similarly, someone with sinus congestion or respiratory disease may have trouble inhaling it.

How Does Nitrous Oxide Dental Sedation Work?

Nitrous oxide sedation isn’t hard to apply. In fact, setting it up only takes a few minutes. From there, the dentist can use it throughout a given treatment.

Firstly, the dental team will have you wear a nose mask before your procedure. The tool will let you inhale the nitrous oxide gas. That way, you’ll be sedated when your dentist starts working. (During and after this step, staff will monitor your vitals to ensure your safety.)

After inhaling this so-called “laughing gas” for a minute or two, you’ll start to feel its effects – light-headedness, euphoria, etc. Your limbs may also seem tingly or heavier than usual; the exact sensations can vary. Still, you should be calm and comfortable during the procedure. The gas will also leave you alert and lucid enough to answer the dentist’s questions or instructions.

 

Aftercare for Nitrous Oxide Dental Sedation

Overall, there isn’t much aftercare necessary for nitrous oxide. Its effects fade quickly once you’ve stopped inhaling it. That said, you should keep a few things in mind.

One is that nitrous oxide takes a few minutes to exit your body. Therefore, waiting until you feel normal before trying to drive is best. If you don’t, you could end up having an accident.

Furthermore, the sedative shouldn’t have any long-term effects. It’ll thus leave you well enough to return to work, school, or errands the same day.

Lastly, follow any treatment-specific recovery instructions given by your dentist. You may not recover as well from the gas otherwise.

What is Oral Conscious Sedation?

Do you have more moderate dental anxiety? Do you need help for a complicated procedure? Oral conscious sedation uses safe, commonly prescribed medications to create feelings of peace and relaxation for fearful patients. In fact, those who take advantage of this option may not even recall the appointment! With the help of our team, taking this medication will ease your mind and help you have a more enjoyable, care-free experience in the chair.

How Does Oral Conscious Sedation Work?

In advance, we’ll prescribe a pill that you’ll fill at your pharmacy. On the day of your appointment, you’ll take it as instructed, and you’ll feel comfortable and relaxed by the time we’re ready to begin treatment. In fact, you’ll reach a level of sedation that you shouldn’t drive yourself to and from our office. During the visit, you’ll most likely stay awake, but your mind will not be on what’s going on around you. In fact, you may not remember details from the appointment at all! The effects last for a few hours afterward, so you’ll need to have a friend or family member take you home.

Are You a Good Candidate for Oral Conscious Sedation?

Oral conscious sedation is particularly beneficial for patients who must undergo longer treatment, such as dental implants or extractions. The medication allows you to sit still for the duration of your appointment without feeling antsy or anxious. In addition, patients who have more serious dental fear may also be prescribed oral conscious sedation because of its strength and effectiveness. It can have an amnesiac effect, which means what happened while you are in the chair may not stay in your mind.