How do I know if nasal sedation is for me?
- Fear, stress and anxiety about going to the dentist
- People who desire a beautiful and natural smile
- Fear of needles
- You are hard to get numb
- A history of bad dental experiences
- Painful or sensitive teeth
- You are troubled with a bad gag reflex
- Difficulty controlling movement from conditions such as Cerebral Palsy or Parkinson's disease
- You need complex treatment requiring long dental appointments
- People who have limited time to complete their required treatment and want to accomplish a lot in a single appointment
What is nitrous oxide?
Nitrous oxide is a popular anaesthetic agent used by dentists. It's quick, safe and effective, and can be used for both children and adults.
Nitrous oxide has a very calming, comforting effect, even though the patient remains in control. Some dental experts have called it the "ideal anaesthetic" because it takes effect quickly (in less than 5 minutes) and because there is a very rapid recovery time (about 5 to 10 minutes). Nitrous oxide is mixed with oxygen so that you will have an ample supply of oxygen at the same time.
It also helps control discomfort associated with some procedures. The level of sedation can be easily adjusted for the best possible effect for each individual patient.
What are the effects of the sedation?
Depending on the concentration and length of administration of laughing gas, four levels of sedation can be experienced (after an initial feeling of light-headedness):
1. A tingling sensation, especially in the arms and legs, or a feeling of vibration
2. Quickly followed by warm sensations
3. And then you'll have a feeling of well-being, euphoria and/or floating ("drift"). During heavier sedation, hearing may dissolve into a constant, electronic-like throbbing
4. At a deeper level of sedation again, sleepiness, difficulty to keep one's eyes open or speak ("dream") can occur
The advantages of laughing gas include
- Sedation can be increased or decreased instantly
- No fixed duration of action
- No "hangover" effect
- Can give incremental doses until the desired action is obtained
- No injection is required
- Very safe. It has very few side effects and the drugs used have no ill effects on the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, or brain
- Can act as a painkiller
- Minimises severe gagging
Contraindictions to inhalation sedation include:
- Emphysema
- Chest conditions
- First trimester of pregnancy
- MS
- Blocked noses or breathing conditions
Comfortable, bright, confident smiles for life
The Gentle Dental Practice
Norfolk House
1 Spencer Road
East Molesey
Surrey
KT8 0SP
020 8224 7562