Laughing gas is a sedative that is mixed with oxygen and inhaled through a face mask. It assists the patient in achieving a relaxed state. It is entirely reversible, indicating you can drive home afterward. Laughing gas sedation is a mild relaxant; it is typically given for dental hygiene appointments or minor cosmetic dentistry treatments.
The most common form of sedation in dentistry is with laughing gas. This anesthetic drug, which is used in roughly a third of all dental procedures in the United States, has proven very safe and effective.
Patients who elect to use laughing gas should avoid eating anything for two hours before sedation. Because the gas is administered via a mask and inhaled, it is an attractive option for patients who want to avoid an IV or general anesthetic.
It takes around 30 seconds up to four minutes of breathing for the effects of the gas to start working. The patient will feel a pleasant level of sedation and relaxation. In some cases, the cheeks and gums will start to go numb. This numbing effect is perfectly safe and occurs in roughly one out of every three patients. Once the appropriate amount of gas has been administered to the patient, the dentist will proceed with treatment.
Once the procedure is finished, we switch patients onto full oxygen. Generally, this reverses the sedative’s effects nearly immediately. We then keep you on oxygen for around five minutes, and generally, patients can then leave without an escort and even drive themselves home. This kind of rapid recovery doesn’t occur with general anesthesia or IV sedation.
One of the most valuable uses of laughing gas is its calming factor. Any fear or anxiety over the procedure is usually subjugated by the gas’s relaxing effects, making it particularly good for young children who are afraid of the dentist. In most cases, if you are nervous about your appointment, you can specifically ask for laughing gas to help ease your anxiety and make you more comfortable during the procedure.
Contact Texas Implant & Dental Center of Amarillo to learn more or to schedule an appointment with laughing gas sedation. We look forward to giving you a relaxed and comfortable dental visit!
Dr. Damon’s vast experience in specialized dentistry & his impressionable chairside manner has given him an excellent reputation, and he is trusted by many in the Amarillo area.
As a specialized implant center, our experts can help you achieve the smile of your dreams. However, we offer a wide variety of dental services to cater to you and your family’s every dental need. In addition, our unique approach to patient care has allowed us to form lasting relationships for years to come. Call us today to schedule.
Monday: 8:30am–12pm, 1:30–5pm
Tuesday: 8:30am–12pm, 1–4pm
Wednesday: 8:30am–12pm, 1:30–5pm
Thursday: 8:30am–12pm, 1–4pm
Friday: 8:30am–12pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
© 2024 Texas Implant & Dental Center of Amarillo All rights reserved. Privacy Policy.
