Anxiety-Free Dentistry with Nitrous Oxide in Dallas, TX

Dental anxiety is one of the common problems that patients face when undergoing any oral treatments or procedures. This fear sometimes leads to phobia, preventing people from seeing their dentist and solving their dental problems altogether.

We, at Contemporary Dentistry, are dedicated to assisting our patients in all their oral health endeavors, including dental anxiety management. One of our solutions to anxiety issues is laughing gas. When it is deemed necessary, we provide Nitrous Oxide in Dallas, TX.

What is Laughing Gas (Nitrous Oxide)?

Laughing gas is an excellent way to combat anxiety for most dental procedures. The mildest form of sedation we use, laughing gas is inhaled through a small mask that rests over your nose. We can easily customize the level of sedation for each patient, which takes effect within minutes.

Being a mild sedative, you won’t experience any short-term memory loss as you might with other forms of sedation. At the end of treatment, the sedative effect caused by the laughing gas dissipates almost immediately when the mask is removed, and you will be able to return home with zero lasting effects. You don’t even need an escort to or from your appointment if you are using only laughing gas for sedation.

How does It help in Anxiety Reduction?

Nitrous Oxide mixed with oxygen is an effective inhalation sedation formula because it emits pleasurable or happy feelings to relax patients. It is odorless and acts fast. You will feel calm and cheerful quickly, giving you no time to stress about the preceding dental procedure.

You may need a good amount of the laughing gas depending on the level of anxiety. But since its effect is reversible, you’ll be back to normal in no time. After receiving this conscious sedation method, the dentist will give you oxygen to remove all remaining nitrous oxide in your lungs. It will also help you become awake and alert fast, and prevent you from getting a headache.

The use of laughing gas is recommended for the following patients:

1. Anxious or Uncooperative
2. Those who do not respond to local anesthetic
3. With special health care needs
4. With gag reflexes that can hinder dental procedures
5. Children undergoing long dental treatment

Who Should Avoid the Laughing Gas?

This method of conscious sedation can be given to most patients, even to children. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) says that nitrous oxide is safe and effective for children.

However, not all patients are advised to take the laughing gas. If you have any of the following conditions, make sure to take precautions and consult your doctor before using nitrous oxide as a dental anxiety reduction tool:

1. Pregnancy in the first trimester

2. Cobalamin (Vitamin B12) Deficiency

3. Conditions that cause problems in breathing or airflow blockage like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

4. Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase Deficiency

5. History of Drug Addiction

6. History of Emotional Issues

7. Currently receiving bleomycin sulfate (antibiotic in chemotherapy)

Manage Anxiety with Gentle Nitrous Oxide Sedation

At Contemporary Dentistry, we recognize that patients have different needs and reactions to confronting their dental health issues. Not everyone feels relaxed just sitting on a dental chair, least of all getting a tooth extracted from your mouth. That is why our dentists take your comfort and emotional security seriously.

Our team provides nitrous oxide in Dallas, TX, and a range of sedative solutions to help get you through any dental treatment and procedures. Don’t hesitate to talk to our dentists about your situation and we will do our best to help.