subject: Laughing Gas And Oral Sedation Help Patients Overcome Dental Anxiety [print this page] Dr. Shifrin, your dentist in Suwanee, GA, is a dentist who does not judge or criticize you, won't lecture you or put you down, and is someone who genuinely cares about you, your health and how you look and feel. So, if you are suffering from dental anxieties fear no more. Your dentist in Suwanee maintains the ability to provide you with a comfortable, relaxed dental experience through laughing gas and oral sedation. With both of these sedation modalities, you can receive the dental care you need without the anxiety you commonly associate with receiving dental care.
Breathe In, Breathe Out - What is Laughing Gas All About?
Nitrous oxide is commonly known as laughing gas and is a form of sedation dentistry that is used to help calm anxious patients so that they can comfortably receive the oral care and dental treatment they need without undue stress from their anxiety. Laughing gas is comprised of nitrogen and oxygen, and is an odorless and colorless gas. It won't make you giggle in the dentist's chair, but it will help promote a sense of relaxation, calm and a general well-being.
Known to have very few side effects, laughing gas can be used on patients of all ages. Laughing gas is used both alone and in union with agents such as pain relievers and local anesthetics. Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) used by itself is a form of what is often referred to as conscious sedation because although you may feel tired, you will remain awake and responsive during the entire dental procedure.
The best part of laughing gas is that no needles are involved for its administration. Instead, laughing gas is simply inhaled through a small rubber facemask. Your dentist will adjust the amount of gas administered based on your individual need. Contrary to popular belief, laughing gas is not a pain reliever. If you procedure requires pain management the use of additional modalities will be used in addition to laughing gas. The effects of nitrous oxide wear off soon after the treatment has ended and the mask is removed.
The Calming Feeling of Oral Sedation
Anti-anxiety agents or sedatives can help you to relax during your next dental procedure. With oral sedation you will be administered a pill to help calm your nerves. Oral sedation is considered "conscious sedation" as it makes you feel drowsy, but awake and responsive. Depending on the total dose given, oral sedation can range from minimal to moderate. For minimal sedation, you simply take a pill, which is usually taken about an hour before your procedure. Some people will become groggy enough to actually fall asleep during their procedure. However, if they do fall asleep, they can generally be easily woken up with a gentle shake.
As the Patient - Do Your Part
As a patient, your role is to discuss treatment options with your dentist. Be sure to tell your dentist about any existing medical conditions or changes in your health history since your last visit. Tell your dentist about any drugs you are currently taking (prescription or over-the-counter products - including alternative therapies such as herbs). Remember to mention any drug allergies or dependencies you might have and any problems you have had with medications in the past. Additionally, discuss the risks and benefits of each anesthetic option.
You and your dentist Suwanee and Duluth, GA can work together to make your next dental visit more comfortable even during complex procedures.
