Too often, people put off necessary dental treatment due to fear and anxiety. The consequences can be serious. If you are one of these individuals, you may want to consider Laughing Gas. Also known as Nitrous Oxide, Laughing Gas has helped many of our patients get through their dental appointments with ease and comfort.
What does it feel like?
Different levels of sedation can be experienced, depending on the concentration of Nitrous Oxide administered in combination with Oxygen, and the duration for which it is given. It is very fast-acting, so almost immediately you will experience a warm sensation and a feeling of euphoric well-being spread throughout your entire body. Many describe feeling like they are floating.
The many advantages of Nitrous Oxide
- fast-acting – it reaches the brain within 20 seconds and relaxation and pain-killing properties take effect within three to four minutes
- easy and fast to adjust – unlike many other sedation methods, the depth of sedation using Nitrous Oxide can be altered from moment to moment with changes becoming quickly effectiveminimizes gagging
- short-acting – there is no “hang-over effect” from Nitrous Oxide. All traces of the gas leave the body within five to ten minutes after it is removed, allowing you to drive home after your appointment without any assistance
- Nitrous Oxide is safe. It has very few side effects and has no ill effects on the heart, lungs, kidneys, liver or brain
- with a slightly sweet odour and taste, it is pleasant to inhale through a device that fits comfortably over the patient’s nose
Steven Deskin is a Brantford dentist in general practice.
