When it’s time for your dental visits, does your fear tend to get the better of you? It’s easy to get worked up if you have a phobia of the dentist; however, there are ways you can have an easier time. Nitrous oxide is a great way to help you relax, but will you fall asleep while receiving it? Here’s what you need to know about sedation dentistry to feel confident getting it for your appointment.
What Exactly Is Nitrous Oxide?
If you haven’t heard of nitrous oxide, then you aren’t alone. Many people don’t recognize this name, but it’s also called laughing gas. In short, it’s a gas you breathe in through a mask. After a few minutes, you will start to feel its effects. Many say they have a euphoric or floaty sensation. It’s faintly sweet, but many offices add other scents to make it more pleasant for their patients.
So, Will Nitrous Oxide Put Me to Sleep?
Since you will be calmer and more relaxed, you might wonder if nitrous oxide will put you to sleep. You may imagine it’s the same as general anesthesia, but it works differently! While that one renders you unconscious, dental sedation keeps you awake and aware of your surroundings.
You are generally more likely to go with the flow, but you will still be able to answer questions and follow simple directions. However, you might feel so at ease that you doze off on your own. If so, you can be easily woken up with a few small nudges.
Does Nitrous Oxide Have Any Side Effects?
While you won’t be put to sleep with laughing gas, you might wonder if there is anything you should be worried about. Thankfully, there generally aren’t any side effects. Some patients might feel slightly nauseous or have a small headache, but both should go away after you stop getting nitrous oxide. It will take about five to ten minutes for it to clear out of your system, but you can go about your day right after.
Better yet, your dentist is here to ensure it’s safe for you. They will take your medical and dental history into account to see if sedation is the right choice. That way, you feel confident getting it for your treatments and get toward the easier visits you deserve.
About the Practice
At Salvaggio Dentistry, you benefit from a team of skilled dentists who look after you and your oral health. We understand how some patients might fear coming to our office, so we are proud to offer nitrous oxide to help those in our chairs feel just a bit more relaxed and comfortable. If you want to see if laughing gas can help you, schedule an appointment or call our office at (289) 569-0721.