Worried about your next trip to the dentist? Many patients ask if they can be knocked out or put to sleep when faced with a scary-sounding treatment. However, most people don’t realize the risk that comes with being fully unconscious! Fortunately, there’s a safer and gentler treatment that can offer all the same benefits you’re looking for: nitrous oxide sedation in St. Johns. This reliable form of sedation dentistry has been used for hundreds of years to help patients comfortably get the dental care they need. Keep reading to learn more about what to expect from nitrous oxide dental sedation.
Sedation Dentistry Vs Putting Patients to Sleep
All forms of sedation dentistry, including nitrous oxide sedation, oral conscious sedation, and IV dental sedation, keep you conscious throughout your appointment. At first, some patients are dismayed to hear this, but it’s actually the safer alternative. Being fully unconscious comes with a list of serious risks to your health and well-being. Alternatively, sedation dentistry keeps patients conscious, but affords them virtually no discomfort while undergoing treatment. You’ll receive all the benefits you’re looking for about being put to sleep without hardly any of the risks!
How Does Nitrous Oxide Sedation Work?
Nitrous oxide is a gas that can be breathed in via a small nose mask. Within just a few moments of entering your system, the sedative will reach your brain and take full effect. You’ll feel completely relaxed and at-ease. Many patients find that their limbs feel light or tingly, and some will even begin to laugh at silly things. That’s why nitrous oxide sedation is sometimes called laughing gas! These effects will remain active until the mask is removed.
Being Asleep Vs Relaxing with Nitrous Oxide
While using nitrous oxide sedation, your ability to register physical discomfort and emotional stress is limited. Even though you’ll be conscious enough to respond to your dental team and perform basic actions, many patients report feeling as if they’re in a dreamlike state. You won’t register any sights, sounds, or sensations that would typically cause you physical or mental discomfort. Some patients don’t remember much, if anything, of their appointment afterwards. Other patients drift off to sleep while under nitrous oxide sedation, but they can be easily awoken with a gentle nudge.
At first, being put to sleep for your dental treatment may seem like the best way to go. However, sedation dentistry options like nitrous oxide offer a far safer alternative that’s just as effective!
About the Practice
At Julington Creek Family Dentistry, your comfort and safety are our top priorities. In addition to our calming office atmosphere and friendly dental team, we offer a variety of calming dental sedation options. With the help of nitrous oxide sedation and our experienced dentist Dr. Cohen, patients of all ages can receive the gentle care they deserve for a healthy, happy smile. To see if nitrous oxide is right for you, he can be reached online or at (904) 230-2961.