Are you feeling a bit confused about relying on dental sedation? On one hand, you love the idea of accessing a way to feel completely calm during your dental care. On the other hand, you have a lot of questions about nitrous oxide that are preventing you from going ahead and scheduling a visit. Good news: We are always happy to answer questions and have gathered a few FAQs (and responses) to get the ball rolling.
Questions and Answers: Sedation
Question: Why do people sometimes refer to nitrous oxide as laughing gas?
Answer: This form of dental sedation is meant to calm your nerves. In addition to assisting with numbing your oral tissues, it tends to cause patients to feel like it’s time to giggle. It is also administered in a gaseous state. Therefore, you have yourself what we know as “laughing gas.”
Question: When is nitrous oxide appropriate? Is this only something you offer if I’m afraid of anesthetic injections?
Answer: This form of sedation is actually something that we offer for a wide variety of issues, including dislike of needles. Maybe you suffer from a severe gag reflex, which makes even a dental exam difficult. Perhaps any trip to the dentist causes you to feel anxious. Speak with us about laughing gas – it is gentle, safe, and effective for most patients (and appropriate for most concerns).
Question: Will I have to take the entire day off of work if I decide I want nitrous oxide?
Answer: Nope! Most patients will go back to whatever they planned for their day – this is because laughing gas leaves your bloodstream with extreme speed. By the time you are ready to leave our practice, you will be ready to get back to your original daily schedule.
Visit Our Office in Baxter, MN!
Dr. Clinton L. Roberts and the friendly staff at Greenhaven Family Dental are happy to help you maintain a healthy and beautiful smile with a comprehensive approach to general dentistry. With years of training and experience in dental sleep medicine, Dr. Roberts is also adept at helping patients treat snoring and sleep apnea so they can rest more easily (and quietly). To learn more, or to schedule an appointment, call our office in Baxter, MN, today at (218) 454-0523. We proudly welcome patients from Brainerd, Little Falls, Staples, Crosby-Ironton-Deerwood, and all surrounding communities.