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Exploring the idea of sedation dentistry in McFarland? One of the most common types used is laughing gas (nitrous oxide), a mild sedative that can help patients of all ages stay calm and relaxed while getting dental work.
But how safe is laughing gas? Are there any side effects you should be aware of? Get all the answers you need below:
Laughing gas is inhaled shortly before the dentist begins to work on restoring your oral health. They put a mask over your nose, and you start inhaling a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen. Once in your system, the gas will immediately take effect.
The sedative works by affecting how oxygen is delivered to the blood and your brain, which is how its effects are created. Once your treatment is over, the dentist switches from the laughing gas mixture to just oxygen, to remove all traces of the gas and its effects.
Laughing gas can help keep you calm and create a somewhat euphoric state. But, you won’t fall asleep or have “strange” behavior like you see in the movies. In fact, most people who get laughing gas are fully alert and can talk to their dentist during the procedure, as well as follow instructions.
Laughing gas can also make you slightly giggly, which is where its name comes from.
Any side effects of laughing gas only last as long as the gas is in your system. There are no long-term side effects to using laughing gas, as long as it’s done in a controlled setting and the nitrous oxide is administered by a professional.
Most side effects are also mild, and you may experience some nausea, lightheadedness, or develop a headache. Usually, these reactions start as soon as the gas enters your system, and when they happen the dentist quickly switches the tanks to remove the gas and help you feel better. You may then need another type of dental sedation to continue your treatment.
Laughing gas is suitable for most people, including young children. However, some patients may not be good candidates, like those with a known allergy to nitrous oxide or people battling lung disease.
You’ll be screened before getting laughing gas to make sure it’s the right sedative for you. If it’s not, your dentist can recommend a more appropriate alternative, such as oral conscious or even IV sedation.
Not sure if laughing gas is the right dental sedation for you? Come meet with Dr. Kevin for a short consultation to learn all about how to access pain-free and anxiety-free dental care.
Request an appointment at Lakeview Modern Dentistry online, or call us at (608) 716-8622 to learn more about our services.
