While dental checkups and cleanings are essential for your oral health, it can be difficult to seek care if you feel anxious about your visit. If you also tend to have head, neck, or jaw pain or require lengthy dental treatment, then you might consider getting nitrous oxide sedation. With this therapy, you can feel calmer and more relaxed throughout your appointment. But will this solution also put you to sleep? Read on to learn what you should expect!
Will Nitrous Oxide Put Me to Sleep?
While you’ll feel significantly more relaxed, you won’t go to sleep from nitrous oxide. This mild sedative is merely meant to calm your nerves and muscles for a comfortable experience. It isn’t designed to make you doze off. Though you might be relaxed enough to want to rest your eyes, you’ll still be conscious and easily awakened so that you can respond to your dentist’s verbal commands during your treatment.
How Does Nitrous Oxide Work?
Before beginning your procedure, your dentist will place a nose mask to administer the nitrous oxide or “laughing gas.” After a few minutes of breathing in the sedative, you should start to feel a tingling yet relaxing sensation throughout your body. Your dentist will ensure that you’re completely comfortable before beginning their work. A licensed professional will oversee and adjust your nitrous oxide levels if necessary during your treatment to ensure you’re safe and relaxed. Once your appointment is over, you should start to feel back to normal in no time!
What Are the Benefits of Nitrous Oxide?
If you’re not certain about nitrous oxide, here are several benefits you should consider from this calming solution:
- It’s quick, safe, and easy to administer.
- It’s helpful for patients who struggle with dental anxiety so they can get essential care stress-free.
- It prevents patients from experiencing head, neck, and jaw discomfort while sitting for extended periods.
- It allows for multiple dental procedures to be performed in a single appointment.
It’s natural to feel uncertain about nitrous oxide if you haven’t experienced it before. However, you can be sure that you won’t fall asleep, and you’ll be completely comfortable throughout your treatment! Speak with your dentist if you’re interested, and they’ll be happy to discuss it in detail.
About the Author
Dr. Joseph Salvaggio earned his dental doctorate from the University of Toronto Faculty of Dentistry. He also continues to seek advanced training to refine his skills and has been delivering outstanding care for over two decades. He provides a wide range of high-quality treatments, including nitrous oxide. If you’d like to know more about nitrous oxide, feel free to visit our website or call +1 289-569-0721.