What is Nitrous Oxide?

Otherwise known as “laughing gas,” nitrous oxide is a sweet-smelling, non-irritating, colorless gas which you can breathe. Nitrous oxide has been the primary method of sedation used in modern dentistry. Patients receive 50-70% oxygen, with no less than 30% nitrous oxide, and are able to breathe on their own/ remain in control of all bodily functions. Patients may experience mild amnesia and/or fall asleep, not remembering everything that happened during their appointment.

ADVANTAGES

• It is 100% safe; there are no side effects or after effect such as a “hangover.”

• It works rapidly, as it reaches the brain within 20 seconds. In as little as 2 to 3 minutes, its relaxation and pain killing properties develop.

• The depth of sedation can be altered at any time to increase or decrease sedation.

• It is very effective in minimizing gagging.

NOTE

You should not utilize nitrous oxide if you have been diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Though there are no other major contraindications to using nitrous oxide, you may not want to use it if you have emphysema, exotic chest problems, multiple sclerosis, a cold or other difficulties with breathing.

You may want to ask your endodontist for a “5 minute trial” to see how you feel with this type of sedation method before proceeding.

What is Conscious Sedation?

Conscious Sedation is today’s preferred method among leading-edge dental practices. It not only minimizes the anxiety typically associated with a visit to your dentist, but combined with our advanced methods in local anesthesia, our patients also enjoy an overall more comfortable, relaxing, safer, and pain-free experience.

At Wells Endodontics, we start by scheduling a consultation appointment where we review your medical history. We gather information regarding your health and discuss with you your wants and desires.

We’ll give you a prescription for a sedative to take the night before your first appointment to guarantee a good night’s sleep and to make sure you wake up relaxed.

You will also take another pill one hour before your appointment. Your escort will bring you to the office. Additional medications or nitrous oxide may be provided to create ultimate relaxation. Our experienced sedation team will monitor you throughout your entire visit.

At the completion of your visit, your escort will take you back home and stay with you until you completely recover from the sedation medication. After your visit, you will find that you won’t remember very much, even though you will feel fine.

MOST SUITABLE FOR ADULTS WHO

• have a high degree of fear of having dental treatment.

• hate needles.

• have a difficult time getting numb or gag easily.

• need to have their treatment completed in as few appointments as possible.

• just don’t like coming to the dentist.

• hate the noises, smells and tastes associated with dental care.

• have disabilities that preclude them from receiving traditional dental services.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS