Dental anxiety is common, and for some patients even routine treatment can feel stressful.
Nitrous oxide and oxygen sedation can help patients remain more relaxed while still remaining awake and responsive throughout treatment.
Nitrous oxide is delivered through a small nasal mask. The concentration is carefully adjusted while the patient continues breathing normally.
Patients commonly describe feeling relaxed, warm, light, or less concerned about the dental procedure.
One of the major advantages of nitrous oxide is its rapid onset and rapid elimination from the body. At the end of treatment, the nitrous oxide is discontinued and oxygen is administered while the gas is cleared from the patient’s system.
Unlike deeper forms of sedation, patients generally remain conscious and capable of communicating.
Nitrous oxide may be helpful for patients with:
Not every patient is an appropriate candidate, so medical history and current health conditions are reviewed beforehand.
At John E. Sullivan DDS, P.C., nitrous oxide is used as one of several approaches to make dental treatment more comfortable and manageable.