Sedation Dentistry – Weatherford, TX
Stay at Ease with Calming Sedation
A lot of people suffer from many different fears, but one of the most common is the fear of the dentist. Having a fear of the dentist can prevent someone from taking care of the much needed dental work they need done. When they delay this dental work, it often leads to a much more serious problem down the road, resulting in a far more painful and expensive experience.
At Cosmetic and Family Dentistry of Weatherford, we understand and appreciate your dental fears, and take pride in making sure you have the best experience possible at our office. Dr. Deborah Romack and Dr. Garrett Mulkey offer nitrous oxide sedation dentistry to their patients, offering them the much needed relaxation and comfort they need. Call our office to schedule your next appointment and learn how sedation dentistry can help you!
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
If you need a mild dental sedative, try nitrous oxide sedation in Weatherford. This option lets you remain calm yet lucid during treatment – all without any grogginess afterward! Given that effect, it’s highly effective on those who get antsy at the dentist. If you’d like to learn more about it, we at Cosmetic & Family Dentistry of Weatherford can happily explain. All you have to do is keep reading or call our office for the relevant details!
Who is a Good Candidate for Nitrous Oxide?
Almost any adult can qualify for nitrous oxide sedation because it's safe and effective. That said, the option does benefit some patients more than others. In particular, it’s most likely to help those with the following:
- A phobia of needles
- Dental anxiety or overstimulation
- Difficulty sitting still
- A strong gag reflex
- Dental sensitivity
- A resistance to numbing agents
Occasionally, some patients aren’t good candidates for nitrous oxide. For example, a pregnant person may want to avoid it due to its effects on their pregnancy. Similarly, those with sinus congestion or respiratory disease may not be well enough to inhale through the nose mask.
How Does Nitrous Oxide Work?
It involves a few steps, but applying nitrous oxide isn’t hard. Setting up the sedation method only takes a few minutes at most. Once that’s done, the dentist can use it throughout your treatment.
Before your procedure, the dentist will give you nitrous oxide through a nose mask. The latter tool ensures you fully and deeply inhale the gas. That way, you’ll quickly be sedated when your dentist starts working. From there, our team will monitor your vitals so that no problems occur.
After inhaling the nitrous oxide for a few minutes, you’ll feel its effects. Namely, your body will be relaxed and your mind at ease, ensuring the dental work goes more smoothly. Just keep in mind that your limbs could sense changes too. In particular, your arms or legs may feel tingly or heavier than usual. Still, the sedative will leave you alert and lucid; you’ll thus be able to respond to questions or instructions.
Aftercare for Nitrous Oxide
Overall, there isn’t much aftercare necessary for nitrous oxide. It’s ultimately a sedative that doesn’t last long.
You see, a major perk of nitrous oxide is that it has virtually no side effects. When our dental work is done, and we remove your mask, it’ll quickly stop affecting you. As a result, you’ll be well enough to drive in mere minutes. You can then head back home or work and continue your day.
Of course, your treatment may be (or is) a bit special. In that case, you’ll want to follow any procedure-specific recovery tips your dentist gives you. Otherwise, you may not recover from the nitrous oxide as quickly.
Am I a Good Candidate for Sedation Dentistry?
While patients who experience anxiety, nervousness, or dental phobia can largely benefit from sedation dentistry, they are not the only groups who can use it to complete dental treatments. For example, if you intend on completing multiple treatments within a single appointment, have a low pain tolerance, or have a family member with a cognitive disorder
Nitrous Oxide FAQs
We understand that you might have questions about nitrous oxide sedation that you’d like answered before you’re comfortable with receiving it. Our team has gathered a few of the most frequently asked questions that we receive about nitrous oxide sedation so that you can put your doubts to rest and commit to a smooth and stress-free dental visit. If you have any other questions about nitrous oxide that aren’t listed below, feel free to give us a call for additional assistance.
How Does Nitrous Oxide Reduce Anxiety and Pain?
Anyone who has received nitrous oxide sedation at the dentist will likely testify that it works to perfection! Simply put, nitrous oxide resolves fear as well as anxiety by depressing the patient’s senses, specifically lowering their sense of touch, pain, and hearing. It also affects the brain, instilling feelings of warmth and euphoria by blocking certain neurotransmitters and by releasing “feel-good” hormones such as dopamine.
How Long Does Nitrous Oxide Last?
One of the primary benefits of using nitrous oxide for dental procedures is that both the timing and dosage can be easily and accurately controlled. Once the nasal mask has been applied, it won’t take long to begin feeling the effects of the gas. However, once the dental work has been completed and the mask is removed, the patient will merely have to take a couple of deep breaths to begin enjoying mental clarity within a few minutes. In fact, you’ll more than likely be able to drive yourself home from your appointment after receiving nitrous oxide.
Is Nitrous Oxide Safe?
In short, the use of nitrous oxide is completely safe! Our team is highly trained in utilizing it to assist patients, and we take all appropriate precautions to ensure your safety is put first. While nitrogen might not be entirely safe on its own, it poses absolutely no threat at all in the form of nitrous oxide; in fact, the nitrous oxide treatment application usually has about 70% oxygen and 30% nitrogen (though for more serious procedures, this ratio can be adjusted as needed). It’s worth mentioning that if you experience any rare, unpleasant side effects from the nitrous oxide, such as nausea or lightheadedness, they’ll likely fade quickly.
Am I a Good Candidate for Nitrous Oxide Sedation?
Nitrous oxide is a viable option for most patients of all ages. In most cases, it’s best for patients who struggle to undergo dental treatment due to anxiety, but it can also assist patients with sensitive gag reflexes or those who have issues remaining seated for longer periods of time. However, there are a few groups that nitrous oxide might not be suitable for. For example, if you’re pregnant you shouldn’t be administered nitrous oxide unless it’s absolutely necessary. Patients with limited lung capacity or obstructive pulmonary disease also shouldn’t be given nitrous oxide. We’ll always check your medical history first before determining if you’re a suitable candidate for nitrous oxide.