Laughing Gas (Nitrous Oxide) La Porte Texas
Laughing Gas (Nitrous Oxide) is a sweet-smelling, non-irritating, colorless gas that you inhale through your nose. It has been used safely in Dentistry for over a hundred years. In fact, dentist Horace Wells first used Nitrous Oxide to help with a tooth extraction in 1844. Laughing Gas has both a euphoric and analgesic effect. In other words, laughing gas makes you feel good and lowers pain levels.
Dr. Nugent’s daughter on Nitrous Oxide. Emily had to have two baby teeth pulled by her Father because the adult teeth were coming in and the baby teeth had not falling out yet.
Nitrous Oxide is a great for dental use because:
- Nitrous Oxide is extremely safe.
- Nitrous Oxide creates euphoria and has analgesic effects.
- Patients may experience mild amnesia and not remember their dental appointment.
- Patients retain their ability to break on their own.
- Nitrous Oxide can be altered to give more or less, thus it can be more “dialed in for the patient”.
- Nitrous Oxide minimizes gagging.
- Nitrous Oxide onset is very rapid.
- One the dentistry is completed, 100% Oxygen is given flushing the nitrous out of the lungs. The patient is completely recovered and has no “hangover”.
- Patient can drive themselves home.
- Laughing Gas helps the fearful dental patient.
Dental phobia is a serious problem! It’s more common than you believe. According to research, between 9 to 15% of all Americans avoid going to the dentist due to dental fear. As a result, their dental health suffers. This avoidance may jeopardize their general health.
If you or a member of your family suffers from dental anxiety, there is no reason for this condition to prevent you or your family from receiving the necessary oral care. Nitrous oxide, popularly known as “laughing gas,” is available to individuals with dental anxiety at Inspire Dental of Summerlin.
Nitrous oxide is recommended for patients who:
- Patients that experience jaw soreness from keeping their mouth open
- Gagging reflex
- Wish to have a pleasant and relaxed dental experience
- Inability to sit still for long periods of time during appointments
- Are having substantial cosmetic dentistry or surgical procedures performed
- Suffer from dental phobia?
What exactly is nitrous oxide, and how does it function?
Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) has no odor or color. Dentists began using the gas for its sedative properties as early as the mid-1800s. It is given to patients through a mask that covers their nose. As the gas takes effect, the patient merely breaths in and out through their nose.
A patient does not sleep and remains conscious of his or her surroundings. Despite the fact that you are awake and aware, the gas has a relaxing effect that alleviates any worry or anxiety. You will be able to speak and breathe independently. The gas also aids those who have difficulty becoming numb, as they may have a more pleasant visit while receiving their treatments. Lastly, it aids in the passage of time!
The effects of the gas wear off rapidly once our team turns off the gas flow, allowing the patient to breathe regular air. You’ll be able to feel yourself again in a matter of minutes. The nicest aspect is that you can drive yourself out of the office at the end of your visit and resume your regular activities.
Is nitrous oxide safe to use?
Most healthy people are unaffected by nitrous oxide. However, it should not be utilized on pregnant patients or persons who have a pre-existing ailment that would preclude them from being a candidate for nitrous oxide. Before taking nitrous oxide, remember to disclose your complete medical history with Dr. Nugent.
Are there any unintended consequences?
Side effects from nitrous oxide are quite rare, if at all. Although very rare, the most common issue is that some people may become nauseous and vomit. If you begin to feel ill, notify the dental staff immediately.
Don’t let dental phobia keep you from getting the care you need. To learn more about nitrous oxide or sedation dentistry, call our office at 713-941-8261.
Pasadena Texas Dentist Michael Nugent uses Sedation Dentistry to help his patients. Dr. Nugent understands that patients are scared of the dentist. Dr. Nugent has special training in Sedation Dentistry and helped patients from Pasadena, Deer Park, La Porte, Friendswood, League City, Webster and Houston. Let Dr. Nugent show you how dental sedation can help you.
Call our office today at 713-941-8261. Our office is conveniently located at 3421 Burke Rd Ste A, Pasadena, Texas 77504.
If you have been delaying treatments due to dental worries and anxieties. Nitrous gas sedation is available at our Pasadena, Texas location for both longer treatments and to calm patients who have dental phobias and anxiety during regular sessions. Nitrous oxide (N2O) gas is a safe and efficient sedative that can help you relax throughout your session. Nitrous oxide, sometimes known as laughing gas, is provided by Dr. Nugent to make you feel more comfortable while remaining awake. Make an appointment to discuss the use of nitrous oxide or another form of sedation during your session.
N2O is a typical sedation treatment that can be used on both adults and children with no danger. Dr. Nugent will evaluate your medical history, current medications, and concerns before using nitrous oxide gas to ensure that it is a good fit for you. Nitrous oxide sedation can be used in conjunction with local anesthetic to help decrease pain during longer or less intrusive operations. Nitrous oxide sedation can also be utilized if you are afraid of dental procedures and are unable to keep your regular dentist appointments. If you have extreme phobias, difficulty breathing through your nose, COPD, or other comparable health difficulties, nitrous oxide gas may not be appropriate for you.
WHAT CAN BE EXPECTED
Nitrous oxide gas will be supplied to you through a mask before the treatment begins. When you softly inhale the gas, it will act rapidly and begin to take action. Dr. Nugent and his team will monitor your response to the gas as well as your vitals during the appointment and modify the volume as needed to keep you comfortable. As the N2O takes effect, you may experience tingling in your extremities and a sense of warmth, euphoria, or well-being. Nitrous oxide is used in conjunction with a local anesthetic. When the treatment is completed, the gas is turned off, and the symptoms begin to dissipate instantly.
RECOVERY
Because the medicine is removed from the body within 3 – 5 minutes, recovery from nitrous oxide sedation is usually quick. As soon as you leave our facility, you will be able to drive a vehicle and resume your normal activities.