Nitrous oxide, N2O2, also called laughing gas, is a blend of two colorless gases, oxygen and nitrous oxide, that is often used by dentists for its calming effects on patients who are overly nervous or worried about a dental procedure, or who exhibit a strong gag reflex that interferes with dental work.
After reviewing the patient's health history, the dentist will determine if the use of gas is appropriate. It is safe, effective and helps one feel more relaxed during a dental appointment, and is even thought to be the safest sedative in dentistry. It is well tolerated by nearly everyone, is non-allergenic, has a rapid onset, is easily reversible, and the dosage can easily be adjusted by your dental provider or even by the patient.
To use it, a small fitted mask is placed over the nose, and as the patient simply breathes in normally, it is absorbed through the lungs. It takes just a few minutes to notice the effects. Most people first notice a faint, yet sweet aroma, followed by a sense of well being and relaxation. Different descriptions of nitrous oxide's effects include feelings of unconcern, happiness, or a slight numbness of the arms or feet.
Laughing gas raises the pain threshold and often makes time appear to pass quickly. Some patients have even report dreaming, though they remain conscious, retaining their natural reflexes and the ability to communicate. Since the gas does not numb the teeth, it is also often used in combination with other sedative agents
when necessary.
During the procedure, the dosage can be adjusted by the dentist to fit the patient's needs. One can also control the dosage by deepening one's breathing. Breathing more deeply through your nose can increase the effects.
Once the treatment or procedure is completed, the N2O2 is eliminated after a short period of breathing oxygen with no lingering effects. As long as other sedatives are not used that may have a lingering effect, the use of nitrous oxide alone does not impair your ability to drive home safely.
It's always a good idea to eat little or no food two hours before a dental visit. Occasionally, nausea or vomiting has occurred when the patient has a full stomach. Also, make sure your dentist knows of any respiratory condition that make breathing through the nose difficult, as well as any medication taken the day of the appointment, as this might limit the effectiveness of the nitrous oxide.
Not all patients are alike. This means that safe as it is, N2O2 may not be right for everyone, especially if a person has extreme anxiety, nasal congestion, or discomfort when wearing a nasal mask. The dentist will review your medical history, dental treatment needs, as well as ascertain your anxiety level and discuss with you whether or not nitrous oxide is the right option for you. Nitrous oxide is a great tool in the dentist's office and has allowed even patients with strong anxieties to look forward to future visits with equanimity, if not eagerness.
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