Nitrous Oxide Mesa AZ
Do you know that about 75% of Americans suffer from some form of anxiety when visiting the dentist and for up to 10% of these individuals, the fear has intensified into a dental phobia. However, there is nothing to be afraid of when visiting your dentist.
If you have dental anxiety, we at Timothy H. Kindt, DDS can offer you sedation dentistry, including nitrous oxide, that can help alleviate anxiety during dental treatments.
What is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry involves using medication to help patients relax during dental treatment. It is also known as sleep dentistry, though not all options put the patient to sleep.
Sedation dentistry is not a fixed part of the pain and anxiety management plan. However, it may be offered to some patients, including:
| • | Young children or people with special needs |
| • | People who are prone to fidgeting in the dental chair |
| • | People who have a very low pain threshold |
| • | People who have a bad gag reflex |
| • | People who require extensive invasive dental restoration work |
| • | People with extremely sensitive teeth |
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
Nitrous oxide sedation is a minimal inhaled sedation option, which involves breathing in nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, combined with oxygen, through a nose apparatus. The gas is pretty mild but it will allow you to relax. Because of its minor effects, it is used in children's dentistry as well.
Once you are taken off nitrous gas, it will wear off quickly. You will also be given oxygen to drive out any lingering effects of the gas and then you can even drive yourself home.
Safety Checks During Nitrous Oxide Sedation
The patient receiving the gas is constantly monitored during the dental session. We will constantly monitor your temperature, heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and blood pressure during the session.
Side Effects of Nitrous Oxide Sedation
Nitrous oxide is a safe gas and a limited number of patients suffer from negative side effects when using it. Side effects are more common if the nitrous level is too high or if the gas is inhaled too quickly. Some rare but potential side effects of nitrous gas are:
| • | Headache |
| • | Nausea and vomiting |
| • | Shivering |
| • | Excessive sweating |
| • | Fatigue |
Nitrous oxide sedation, if done right and with proper care, is a safe and effective procedure. If you are anxious about the sedation or are worried about a child who needs to undergo a dental treatment that requires laughing gas, call Dr. Kindt today at (480) 939-5818 so that you can discuss your concerns with them and have the best possible experience for yourself or your child.
