In the United States, 75% of adults experience some level of dental fear or anxiety. This apprehension often stems from concerns about sounds, dental tools, or the dental environment, making it challenging for them to receive the necessary care to prevent oral health issues. Fortunately, dental sedation provides a solution. There are various types of sedation available, with nitrous oxide being one of the most popular choices. If you haven’t experienced this type of dental sedation before, you might be wondering if it will put you to sleep. Keep reading to find out the answer to this question and how nitrous oxide sedation works.
What is Nitrous Oxide Sedation?
For over 100 years, nitrous oxide, a colorless and odorless gas, has been used to help patients relax during treatments. A mask will also be placed over the patient’s nose, releasing the nitrous oxide gas for them to inhale. Within minutes, the patient will begin to feel light, happy, and perhaps even euphoric due to the effects of the gas.
Who Nitrous Oxide Sedation Can Help?
After completing the treatment, the mask will be removed, and the effects of the gas will wear off almost instantly. However, your dentist may ask you to wait for a short while to ensure you are ready to drive home safely. Once you receive the green light, you can freely continue with your day. You may be a suitable candidate for nitrous oxide if you:
- Have difficulty sitting comfortably in the dental chair.
- Need to undergo several treatments at once.
- Experience fear or anxiety about visiting the dentist.
- Do not respond well to local anesthetics.
- Have extremely sensitive teeth
- Have a sensitive gag reflex
Will Nitrous Oxide Put You to Sleep?
While some forms of dental sedation may induce sleep, nitrous oxide is not one of them. It is considered conscious sedation, which means that it will not cause patients to fall asleep. You’ll remain awake and aware of your surroundings throughout the entire appointment.
Nitrous oxide ensures your comfort and a pain-free experience during the dental procedure. Since you’ll be awake, you can communicate with your dental team if any adjustments are needed. After the sedation wears off, many patients often mention that they don’t recall much about the procedure.
With the benefits of nitrous oxide sedation, you can now approach your dental appointments with ease and confidence. This gentle and effective sedation method will keep you comfortable, allowing you to embrace a stress-free dental experience and prioritize your oral health with the help of nitrous oxide sedation!
About the Practice
At Spillman Family Dental of Rockwall, you’ll find a team led by Dr. Travis Spillman and Dr. Nancy Nguyen, two highly skilled dental health professionals. Our practice offers a range of exceptional treatment options to cater to our patients’ diverse needs. If you experience fear or anxiety related to dental visits, rest assured that we also provide dental sedation to help you remain throughout the procedure. To learn more about dental sedation or to schedule an appointment, call Spillman Family Dental of Rockwall at (972) 771-9311 or visit our website.