Nitrous oxide, more commonly known as laughing gas, is one of the safest sedation methods we offer at Blevins Dentistry. The goal of laughing gas is to produce a relaxed, mildly sedated state for anxious patients.
If you’re suffering from dental anxiety, you’re not alone. More than experience some sort of fear related to going to the dentist, and it’s estimated that 25% suffer from dental phobia. While dental phobia can make going to the dentist a difficult experience, dental phobia actually prevents patients from going to the dentist at all.
Laughing gas can help you get the dental care you need while staying comfortable and relaxed.
Laughing gas is a mild anesthetic consisting of 50% and 50% oxygen. It is so mild that we can even use it for minor procedures, such as teeth cleanings or hygiene visits.
While you’re sitting in the dental chair, our team will administer the laughing gas through a simple nose piece that is connected to oxygen and nitrous lines. You’ll be able to take normal breaths through your nose.
Although patients don’t laugh (as the nickname implies), you will feel a pleasant euphoria with feelings of warmth, security, and slight numbness.
Other forms of sedation require you to have someone to pick you up after your appointment to drive you home. Laughing gas is mild enough that you should be able to drive yourself home—or even return to work!
Nitrous oxide may be the best solution to “take the edge off” during your next appointment. If you’re dealing with more severe forms of dental anxiety, you may want to consider something stronger, such as oral sedation.
Dr. Blevins is a Mullins, SC, sedation dentist who offers laughing gas to patients with dental anxiety or dental phobia. Call Blevins Dentistry today at (843) 561-4039, or contact us online to schedule an appointment.
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