Here’s A Small List Of Dental Sedation Options Humble TX Nitrous oxide Some people fail to receive the benefits of modern dental treatment because of fear. It happens to many of us. Don’t let that keep you from modern dentistry. It isn’t uncommon to have a little anxiety about an upcoming dental procedure. If your fears have kept you away from the dental office when you know you really should go. Conscious sedation with nitrous oxide can help you lose that anxiety. It can make the whole experience so stress-free that you may not even remember it when it’s over. Nitrous oxide, a colorless gas with a slightly sweet odor, has been used in medicine for about a century. However its outdated nickname, “laughing gas,” is undeserved. It’s a safe and effective method of administering conscious sedation. This means that you’ll stay awake during the procedure. But when nitrous oxide is used in combination with a local anesthetic, you won’t feel pain or anxiety. In fact, many patients report a feeling of well-being during this type of sedation. All bodily functions remain normal during the administration of nitrous oxide, and its effects wear off quickly afterwards. How Is Nitrous Oxide Administered? As a form of conscious sedation, nitrous oxide is inhaled through a small mask that fits comfortably over your nose. The gas is mixed with oxygen as it is being delivered, and both gases are always kept at a level that is safe for the body. In just a few minutes, you may start to experience a floating sensation. Perhaps some tingling in the hands and feet can occur. That’s a sign that the sedation is working. Once it has been verified that you’re calm and comfortable, and that the dose is correct, your dental procedure can begin. Nitrous oxide itself isn’t a substitute for a local anesthetic. It’s considered an anxiolytic, which means it makes anxiety disappear. For some procedures, you may still need an anesthetic injection. The difference is, you won’t mind. Yet, you won’t be asleep. You’ll be able to speak and be aware of what’s going on. Plus you will remain in control during the procedure. In fact, the dose can be fine-tuned to just the level of sedation you need. When the procedure is over, the flow of nitrous oxide is decreased to zero, and the oxygen may be increased. After resting in the chair for a few minutes, you’ll be able to sit up, and soon you can resume normal activities like driving. Who Can Benefit From Nitrous Oxide? Most people whose anxiety would otherwise keep them out of the dental chair can benefit from conscious sedation with nitrous oxide. Before beginning treatment, we will take a complete medical history. This includes your use of both prescription and non-prescription medications. If you are pregnant, have COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) or some other pulmonary diseases, or are taking certain medications, it may not be right for you. However, if you feel that it may help, just ask us. You could benefit from a more stress-free experience in the dental office, ask about nitrous oxide conscious sedation. Oral Sedation Under conscious sedation, you’ll be able to hear, see and respond to the action taking place around you. Therefore you are much less likely to experience anxiety from it. This also reduces your sense of pain. Advantages of oral sedation: Easy to administer. Just swallow a small pill (typically valium is used). Works well for most people. Disadvantages of oral sedation: The level of sedation is not easily changed. Someone must drive you to and from your dental appointment. How does oral sedation work? The dentist will prescribe a pill to take an hour before your scheduled dental visit. You must have someone drive you to and from your appointment. When you arrive at the dental office, you will be awake and feeling drowsy and relaxed. While in the treatment area, the dental staff will monitor your vital signs throughout your appointment. Oral sedatives have no pain-relieving qualities. Local anesthetics are used to prevent pain. Because you are so relaxed, and because of the use of painless injection techniques, you will probably not remember when your mouth was actually being “numbed.” When your treatment is completed, your friend or relative will drive you home. When you are fully awake, you will feel comfortable, relaxed and free from stress. You will probably remember very little about your dental appointment. Do not operate a motor vehicle for 24 hours after receiving oral sedation. Please feel free to Contact our local office if you are searching for dental sedation options Humble TX.