Do you have a fear of the dentist? This anxiety can make it harder for you to get the oral healthcare you deserve, but your dental practice is here to help! Many offices have started to offer nitrous oxide for their patients who need a bit of help calming down. But does this mean it will put you to sleep? Here’s what you need to know to feel confident getting it for your visit.
Just What Is Nitrous Oxide?
Another name for nitrous oxide that may be more familiar is laughing gas. It’s a gas you’ll breathe in through a mask that your dentist puts over your nose. It has a faintly sweet smell, but many offices like to add additional scents to make it more pleasant. Regardless, what you’ll be breathing in is a mix of oxygen and nitrous oxide. You’ll start to feel it after a few minutes, but you may feel more relaxed, floaty, or euphoric.
Will I Go to Sleep with Nitrous Oxide?
The calm feeling you get with laughing gas may lead you to think that it will put you to sleep, but dental sedation is a bit different. It doesn’t work like general anesthesia, so you will still be conscious while you are getting it.
Nitrous oxide is just designed to help you relax, so while it won’t make you fall asleep, you may doze off on your own. However, you can be easily woken up with a couple of light nudges, but you’ll be able to answer questions and follow easy directions as well.
Should I Be Worried About Any Side Effects?
Since you won’t be put to sleep with nitrous oxide, you may wonder if you’ll experience any side effects with it. Many people don’t have any, but some may feel a headache or slight nausea while they get it. Thankfully, they often go away as soon as it clears out of your systems, around five to ten minutes after the mask is taken off.
Better yet, the thorough research behind laughing gas has also made it a safe option for many adults and kids alike. Your dentist will ensure it’s the right choice for you, as things like pregnancy and allergies can affect your eligibility for it. Not only that, but by talking to your dentist about nitrous oxide, you can feel more confident getting it for your treatments. That way, you can have a visit that you feel relaxed and calm about.
About the Author
Dr. Abdel More Duarte earned his first dental degree from the University of Medical Sciences in Villa Clara and his second at Virginia Commonwealth University. He is dedicated to helping the Matthews community feel their best about their dental care, offering nitrous oxide for those who need a calming boost. If you want to know if you can get laughing gas, schedule an appointment or call Dr. More’s office at (704) 844-0556.