Laughing Gas
If you are afraid to go to the dentist, laughing gas also known as NitrousOxide, can help to relieve dental anxiety, dental fear, and phobias. Nitrous oxide is a gas that has anesthetic properties; it has no smell and nocolour. You can simply breathe it in through a nasal dental mask. Nitrous oxide reduces anxiety and gives you a pleasurable feeling. Some people say it feels kind of like being a “happy drunk”.
Depending on the level of nitrous oxide administrated some people experience an initial feeling of light-headedness, tingling sensations in the arms and legs, followed by warm sensations and a feeling of well-being, euphoria and /or floating can be experienced. In our office children can have scented nasal masks to breathe in through. These scented nasal masks allow children to breathe in while smelling scents such as cherry, bubble gum, and vanilla. This provides them with an overall feeling of calm. Nitrous oxide is a safe and effective way of relieving anxiety without you requiring assistance to leave the office.
Oral Sedation
We understand that for some patients dental visits can be a source of anxiety. To help patients cope with severe anxiety a prescribed oral medication is administered in the form of a pill. Sleeping pills are administered in our office 1hr prior to your dental visit. We find that oral sedation is an easy form of sedation for both the office and the patient. During your procedure, you will be conscious, very relaxed and a bit drowsy. Since the drug’s effects do take a while to wear off it will be necessary for you to arrange transportation to and from our dental office.
