Nitrous Oxide
Portland, OR
 In the event of an oral health issue, whether it is a cavity, a crack, gum disease, a dental emergency, tooth extraction or something else, treatment becomes necessary. However, for some patients, the thought of undergoing any dental treatment, even cleaning, and exam can be the source of significant anxiety. Oral health issues do not go away on their own. Without treatment, they only continue to grow worse, leading to the need for more invasive treatment. At West End Dental, we can help you to relax and feel comfortable, enabling you to get your necessary treatments, with nitrous oxide.
Nitrous Oxide
You most likely know nitrous oxide by its other name, laughing gas. This type of sedation is a form of minimal sedation, the lightest form of sedation available. It uses a colorless gas mixed with oxygen to essentially take the edge off during your procedure. Additionally, it can raise your pain threshold and reduce an overactive gag reflex, which could otherwise interfere with safe and effective treatment. Nitrous oxide, being such a light form of sedation, is often best for those who are experiencing only a small amount of anxiety or nervousness over their scheduled procedure.
Why Nitrous Oxide?
For some patients, the thought of undergoing a dental procedure, even something as simple as cleaning and exam, can lead to anxiety. This anxiety can lead to the avoidance of dental care. Even skipping out on cleanings and exams can be harmful. If oral health issues, even small ones, go untreated, these issues will only continue to worsen, putting your oral health and your overall health in jeopardy. Even if you make it to the dental chair, anxiety can make you unable to relax. You may tense up, or have a hard time sitting still. With nitrous oxide, you can relax, allowing us to comfortably provide you with the treatment you need to optimize your oral health.
Getting Your Treatment with Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide is a gas administered in combination with oxygen via inhalation. When you sit down in the chair, a small mask is placed over your nose. We then turn on both the nitrous oxide as well as oxygen and have you to breathe in and out through your nose. Shortly after you begin inhaling the mixture of gasses, your body begins to relax, and you feel more calm. Once your procedure is complete, the nitrous oxide is turned off, but the oxygen is left running for about five extra minutes. This is done to ensure that all of the nitrous oxides has left your system. The effects wear off just as quickly as they took effect, and it is even possible for you to drive yourself home or to work after your appointment is complete. Hence, no escort is necessary.
Nitrous Oxide Benefits
There are several benefits associated with nitrous oxide.
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It does not involve the use of needles or any type of medication.
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It takes effect almost immediately and wears off just as fast. You can even drive yourself home.
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We can adjust the levels of nitrous oxide quickly. If the effect is too minimal or too great, the concentrations can be appropriately changed. |
Is Undergoing Treatment with Nitrous Oxide Safe?
Nitrous oxide is the safest form of sedation available in the dental field. It has over 150 years of use and is very common. It takes effect almost immediately and is well tolerated by the body. It also wears off shortly after the gas is turned off, and there are no lingering side effects.
Nitrous oxide can help you to relax in the dental chair, enabling you to undergo the treatments you need to optimize your oral health. Call West End Dental today for more information and find out if nitrous oxide is right for you at (503) 446-2957. |
