Relaxing Laughing Gas Sedation Dentistry in Aurora, CO
Dental anxiety is one of the reasons that keeps people from treatments and dealing with dental problems. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), one in every five adults avoids seeing dentists altogether. To help our patients overcome the condition, Southland Smiles offers laughing gas in Aurora, CO. This anxiety-management tool is safe and effective to help get you through dental procedures.
What is Laughing Gas?
Laughing gas or Nitrous Oxide is a sedative used by dentists to help patients relax and feel comfortable during procedures. It is a colorless, odorless, and non-flammable gas breathed through a nosepiece. Laughing gas is one of the least severe sedatives and it takes effect in a matter of minutes.
You won’t suffer from short-term memory loss like other types of sedation because this is a moderate sedative. When the mask is taken off at the end of treatment, the sedative effect of the laughing gas instantly wears off, allowing you to go home with no aftereffects.
How Does Laughing Gas Work?
When combined with oxygen, nitrous oxide produces a pleasant, euphoric feeling that helps you relax. It works almost instantly and before long, you’ll feel at ease and joyful, so you won’t have time to worry about the dental treatment.
The dosage of laughing gas is customizable depending on how anxious you are. The dentist will give you just the right amount to help you relax. When the dental treatment ends, you’ll inhale oxygen to reverse the effect and flush out any leftover nitrous oxide in your lungs. It will also keep you from developing a headache and help you wake up quickly should you doze off during the procedure.
Who Can Have Laughing Gas?
At Southland Smiles, we offer laughing gas in Aurora, CO, to make dental treatment more manageable for patients (including kids) and dentists. Nitrous Oxide is best for the following patients:
- Nervous or Uncooperative
- Individuals who don’t react to a local anesthetic
- Those with unique requirements for medical care
- Patients With gag reflexes that could make dental work more difficult
- Children receiving extensive dental care
However, laughing gas is not recommended for all patients. Before utilizing nitrous oxide as a dental anxiety reduction method, be sure to take precautions and speak with your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
- First trimester of pregnancy
- Deficit in Cobalamin (Vitamin B12)
- Conditions such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) that result in breathing difficulties or airflow obstruction
- Deficiency of Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase
- History of Drug Addiction
- History of Emotional Problems
- Currently taking the antibiotic used in chemotherapy, bleomycin sulfate.
Anxiety-Free Dental Procedures
Southland Smiles understands that patients have different needs, and our dentists are here to provide support and effective solutions. To assist you with any dental procedures, our team offers laughing gas in Aurora, CO among other sedative methods alternatives.
Book an appointment today to learn more about anxiety management.
