Most people do not like visiting the dentist.  They feel anxious with just the thought of going to the dentist for checkups. However, today, there are plenty of options available for the dentist to calm their patients and give them a sense of relief from dental anxiety. Among them, the most effective one is the use of nitrous oxide gas during the treatment.

Let’s get into the article to learn more about nitrous oxide in dentistry.

What is Nitrous Oxide?

People might know nitrous oxide from its other name: laughing gas. However, contrary to what the name might suggest, the gas does not make the people laugh louder. The people who are given it experience a sense of euphoria or exhilaration.

Nitrous oxide was used in dentistry as early as 1844, but the dentists lacked knowledge about the effective dosage or the use of the gas on their patients during the treatment. But today, dentists have learned how to use the gas precisely and accurately. The dosage of the gas can easily be adjusted based on the needs of the patients. Overall, it is the fast and most effective thing to consider during the procedure.

How Does Nitrous Oxide Work?   

Nitrous Oxide helps in three ways:

• It puts you in relax mode and makes you feel calm during the procedure.
• It keeps your anxiety at bay by eliciting a sense of euphoria.
• It eliminates pain and makes you feel more comfortable.

The nitrous oxide gas is administered through a mask that is closely fitted in the nose. After the gas is breathed in, you will feel calm and lightheaded. There might also be a slight tingling sensation in your arm and legs.

If you think that nitrous oxide will make you pass out, don’t worry because it won’t. Even after you have inhaled the gas, you will still be able to respond to the instructions given by your dentists. It wears off quickly, so dentists might ask you to wear the mask till the entire treatment is over.

After the procedure is over, you will be asked to inhale pure oxygen through a mask. The oxygen helps in eliminating the leftover nitrous oxide from your lungs and airways. As soon as the gas is removed from the body, you will start feeling normal. After the procedure, the patient needs to consult their dentist about what they can eat and whether they can drive after receiving nitrous oxide or not, since it can affect both your appetite and consciousness.

Get advanced modern dental care treatments from Flex Dental,  Dentist in Tampa, FL by the expert team lead by Dr. Benjamin Gubernick. For more details and appointments call us at (813) 999-1092, book online, or visit us at 310 S DALE MABRY HWY SUITE#120, TAMPA FL 33609.