Laughing gas, also known as , helps patients of all ages relax in the chair so they can get the dental care they need. If you have a dental phobia or maybe just have a hard time relaxing during a dentist appointment, think about talking with one of our Novi, MI dentists about how laughing gas can help you.
To administer laughing gas, our sedation dentists will gently place a breathing mask over your nose that supplies oxygen mixed with nitrous oxide. Within a few minutes, you should start to feel relaxed. Not only is laughing gas safe, but it’s quick to act and quick to wear off.
What is the Purpose of Laughing Gas?
Laughing gas can be used for a range of dental procedures, from cleaning teeth to filling cavities. However, keep in mind that certain procedures may also require local anesthesia to manage pain. Our dentists will be able to manage pain and dental anxiety so you can maintain good oral health.
Nitrous oxide is well suited for patients who have dental anxiety or have special needs that make it difficult for them to get emergency dental care. If this describes your situation, consult with our dentists about whether laughing gas or other types of are an option.
Sit Back & Relax
Nitrous oxide isn’t considered “sleep dentistry” because you’re awake and responsive during the procedure. What nitrous oxide does is help you relax while sitting in the dentist’s chair so you can get the care you need to maintain a healthy smile.
One of the side effects of laughing gas is feeling giddy. As a result, you may giggle a little during treatment, but still be able to cooperate with our dentists.
If you have a dental phobia, we may encourage you to talk about the root of your fear. For example, some patients have dental anxiety because they’re afraid of feeling helpless or losing control. Compared with other types of sedation dentistry, nitrous oxide relaxes you without putting you to sleep.
Minimal Recovery Time
If you underwent oral sedation you would need someone to drive you home afterward so you could recover at home for the rest of the day, but this is not the case with laughing gas. Nitrous oxide wears off quickly, which means you’ll be able to return to work or school after your dentist appointment.
You shouldn’t experience grogginess or sleepiness after being given laughing gas, which decreases recovery time. The calming effect of the nitrous oxide wears off as soon as we remove the breathing mask covering your nose.
Normal Reactions
When you breathe in the laughing gas it is normal to feel light-headed and/or like your limbs are heavy. These symptoms disappear almost immediately after removing the breathing mask.
There are no lasting effects from the laughing gas itself, and because of this, the gas is safe for people of all ages to use. Depending on the procedure, the dentist likely used a local anesthetic so the affected area will feel numb for an hour or two after the procedure.
Ready for an Appointment?
Our sedation dentists in Novi, MI want to help you feel comfortable in the dentist’s chair. To schedule your next appointment, call (248) 347-3700 today.