Keep Anxiety at Bay With Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas) Sedation in Boca Raton, FL

Gentle Sedation With Superb Results

Oral and intravenous sedatives are highly effective but aren’t for everyone.

Some patients require minimal sedation only. Others have trouble taking pills, don’t like needles, or must stay alert after dental treatment.

This is where nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, comes in. This colorless, sweet-smelling substance from the anesthetic-gas family has been the golden standard for sedation in dentistry for decades.

All you need to do is take a few deep breaths. It takes just 20 seconds for the gas to reach the brain and another two to three minutes for the relaxing and pain-killing effects to kick in.

Boca Dental: Your Trusted Laughing Gas Dentist in Boca Raton

At Boca Dental, we are among the many medical personnel and dentists who use nitrous oxide daily. Nitrous oxide is safe and non-irritating and has minimal to no side effects. You can breathe on your own and retain full control over your bodily functions.

Other benefits of laughing gas include:

• Rapid sedation in as little as two to three minutes
• Effective suppression of the gagging reflex
• No unpleasant aftereffects, such as grogginess or hangover
• No adverse effects on your heart, lungs, and other organs

Is Nitrous Oxide Safe?

Nitrous oxide, as used in dental practices, is very safe. Adverse effects usually only materialize after frequent or long-term exposure.

During your sedative procedure, your laughing gas dentist will administer no less than 30% nitrous oxide and 50-70% oxygen to ensure adequate oxygen levels. We can also alter the depth of sedation when and as needed to increase or decrease the effects of the gas.

Our multidisciplinary team — consisting of a general dentist specializing in cosmetic dentistry, a periodontist skilled in complex dental implant care, and an in-house MD anesthesiologist — will monitor your treatment at every step to ensure your safety and provide complete dental care solutions.

Who Should Use Nitrous Oxide?

Laughing gas sedation can be an excellent solution if you have dental anxiety or phobias, a strong gag reflex, highly sensitive teeth, or difficulty getting numb. It is a safe and effective option for anyone worried about such complications.

You may also be a good candidate for nitrous oxide if you plan to get multiple treatments or procedures in a single visit. Nitrous oxide can help minimize the discomfort and make it easier to sit through a series of prolonged treatments in one go.

However, note that you should not use laughing gas if you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). While there are no other major contraindications, it’s always a good idea to consult your dentist and primary care physician if you have a cold, exotic chest problems, emphysema, multiple sclerosis, or difficulty breathing.

On its own, nitrous oxide may not be sufficient if you have major surgery. You may need a stronger sedative or a combination of laughing gas and another drug.

Does Nitrous Oxide Have Any Side Effects?

The side effects of laughing gas, if any, are minimal. You may experience mild amnesia or memory loss regarding the procedure. Other common effects include a slight tingling sensation, a temporary exhilarating effect, and an altered perception of time, which can make your procedure feel shorter than it actually is!

Many patients drift away during treatment and come back feeling refreshed, as if they’d had a restful nap. After your treatment, we administer pure oxygen to help clear your head and enable you to drive back home.

Is Laughing Gas Right For You?

If you want to give nitrous oxide a “test run,” ask your dentist for a five-minute trial. This way, you can see how you feel about this form of sedation before proceeding.

Is nitrous oxide — laughing gas right for you? Call our team at Boca Dental at (561) 391-6606 or contact us online to speak to an experienced Boca Raton dentist.