Dental anxiety impacts countless adults in the United States. Having an emotional response to visiting the dentist commonly keeps people from scheduling important treatments and routine care, like checkups and cleanings. If you suffer from anxiety, nervousness, or fear when visiting your dentist, it could cause declining oral health. Fortunately, with nitrous oxide sedation, you don’t have to choose between preserving your smile and powering through a traumatic and anxiety-riddling experience. Read on to learn how nitrous oxide works and why visiting a sedation dentist could improve your wellbeing.
Who’s A Good Candidate For Nitrous Oxide?
Nitrous oxide is great for patients who suffer from dental fear and anxiety, but it’s also a great option for a variety of other patients as well. If you have any of the following reactions or experiences at the dentist’s office, you may be a good candidate for dental sedation:
- Dental sensitivity makes cleanings uncomfortable.
- A sensitive gag-reflex.
- Difficulty sitting in the treatment chair for long periods of time.
- Don’t like the smell or sounds of the dental office.
- Are uncomfortable with the lack of control in that environment.
- Have a fear of getting bad news.
The best way to learn whether nitrous oxide is for you is to speak with your dentist over the phone before your appointment. Due to how the gas is administered, it’s not recommended for patients who are pregnant, have nasal congestion, or have respiratory problems or diseases.
How Does Nitrous Oxide Sedation Work?
When you get to the office and get settled into the treatment chair, a dental professional will place a small nose mask on your face. This will allow you to breathe in a colorless, odorless gas called nitrous oxide. Within a couple of minutes, you’ll feel a calming, euphoric feeling wash over you, making you feel more relaxed and at-ease. Some patients also report feeling a tingling sensation as well. Once your treatment is complete, the mask will be removed. Within two to five minutes, the effects should dissipate, leaving you feeling back-to-normal and able to go about your day.
How Can Nitrous Oxide Benefit You?
Declining oral health is one of the biggest issues among people who have dental fear and anxiety. This is because they’re less-likely to schedule and follow-through with showing up to appointments. Routine checkups and cleanings as well as other necessary treatments are vital to keeping your oral health on the right track. If you avoid these because of your dental phobia, it will only cause these issues to get worse.
With nitrous oxide sedation, you won’t have to worry about sacrificing your mental wellbeing for your oral health, because you likely won’t remember most of your treatment. It also keeps you completely conscious, so your dental team will be able to make sure you’re comfortable throughout the process. With the ability to have a great experience at your dentist’s office, even though you have anxiety at the thought of visiting, you’ll be more likely to show up to routine appointments and keep your smile healthy!
About the Author
Dr. Armin Tepner has decades of experience providing patients with high-quality and comfortable dental treatments and routine care. He enjoys getting to know and understand his patients and is dedicated to providing them with the tools and knowledge they need to maintain great oral health. He has completed additional training and education in sedation at the Indiana University School of Dentistry and offers nitrous oxide sedation to help his patients feel more at-ease in the treatment chair. For questions or to schedule a checkup and cleaning with nitrous oxide sedation, visit Indianapolis Family Dentistry’s website or call 317-898-3384.