Combining nitrous oxide and oxygen to help manage anxiety and pain during a dental procedure is a practice that has been used for over 100 years (since the early 1800’s). It is a safe and effective method to control pain and calm a worried patient with minimal health risks. Qualified dentists can use this drug in an incremental level, so there is no risk of accidental overdose. You will only receive as much as you need. The effects of nitrous oxide quickly disappear once the patient goes back to breathing only oxygen. Within minutes you will feel yourself return to a normal state and will be ready to head out the door. Patients often ask “what is nitrous oxide?” So, we would like to share some information about this helpful dental tool.
What is Nitrous Oxide: Can Anyone Provide It?
Nitrous oxide is harmless to the patient and easy to administer. Though all dentists learn about nitrous oxide in school, only some of them decide to become qualified to use it. A dentist must complete a thorough certification process including extensive training in order to be allowed to perform this type of sedation treatment. Only then will a dentist be legally qualified to administer nitrous oxide. A dental assistant can monitor the administration of the drug and reaction, but only the qualified dentist can adjust the levels of the drug.
What is Nitrous Oxide: Will I Forget What Happened?
Many patients worry that nitrous oxide will render them unconscious or unable to remember what happened while under the influence of the sedative. Since nitrous oxide is not intended for sleep or heavy sedation, this will not happen. You will be able to remember everything that happened. You will be able to hear, see, and respond to your dentist. The effects of the drug are designed to make you calm and comfortable. You will not feel drugged or unable to function. This mild sedative will help relax your mind, but your memory and ability to move and think will remain intact.
Since this article was written in response to our patients asking “what is nitrous oxide,” we hope we have now dispelled these two common misconceptions about nitrous oxide. Only certified dentists can administer the sedative and you will be able to retain your memory while under the influence of it. Many dentists use this helpful tool to allow their patients to relax during long or potentially uncomfortable dental procedures. Often patients are worried about feeling pain, or are experiencing pain which is causing them anxiety. Nitrous oxide can help take care of both of those issues with no side effects. For more information on how to schedule an anxiety-free appointment at Plymouth Valley, visit our website or give us a call today!
