{"id":348,"date":"2022-09-08T03:12:00","date_gmt":"2022-09-08T03:12:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dalegreerdds.com\/blog\/?p=348"},"modified":"2022-10-08T03:12:42","modified_gmt":"2022-10-08T03:12:42","slug":"can-nitrous-oxide-conquer-your-dental-fears","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dalegreerdds.com\/blog\/2022\/09\/08\/can-nitrous-oxide-conquer-your-dental-fears\/","title":{"rendered":"Will Nitrous Oxide Put Me to Sleep?"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"WomanIf your palms sweat or your heart races when it\u2019s time to visit the dentist, you\u2019re not alone. Many people suffer from dental-related anxieties, but you don\u2019t have to let them stand in your way of getting the care you need. You may be a candidate for nitrous oxide. Better known as \u201claughing gas,\u201d the inhaled sedative can keep you comfortable. While it\u2019s part of sedation dentistry, it won\u2019t put you to sleep. Instead, you can lay back and relax without a worry in the world.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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What is Nitrous Oxide?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Nitrous oxide is an inhaled sedative that\u2019s mixed with oxygen. It\u2019s inhaled through a small mask placed over your nose. This gives your dentist greater control over the amount administered to cater to your safety and comfort. It will take effect quickly, but you won\u2019t have to worry about any lingering side effects. It will dissipate within a couple of minutes, so you can even drive yourself home from your appointment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Does Nitrous Oxide Work? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As you inhale nitrous oxide, you may feel a little lightheaded. Some patients say their extremities feel heavy or tingly while reaching a high level of relaxation. You may even doze off, but you won\u2019t be \u201cput to sleep.\u201d You\u2019ll remain alert and can be awakened easily to respond to your dentist\u2019s instructions or questions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The calming effect is caused by the air in your lungs being displaced. This causes a reduction in the oxygen reaching your brain. The very minor form of oxygen deprivation may even give you the giggles. As soon as your dentist turns off the nitrous oxide, you\u2019ll return to normal quickly, so you can get back to your day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nitrous oxide is the safest sedative for patients of all ages, with minimal risk of adverse complications. Some patients may experience some temporary side effects, like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n