Comfortable Nitrous Oxide Sedation in Raleigh, NC
Dental anxiety is one of the main reasons some people delay treatment or avoid addressing oral health concerns. That reaction is completely understandable; not everyone feels comfortable sitting in a dental chair and opening their mouth to someone they don’t know well. Woodall & McNeill acknowledge this fear among patients, so we make sure to provide various anxiety management options, including comfortable nitrous oxide sedation in Raleigh, NC.
What is Nitrous Oxide Sedation?
Nitrous oxide sedation is one of the most effective ways to reduce anxiety during dental treatments. It involves the use of nitrous oxide or laughing gas. It’s a mild sedative that’s inhaled through a little mask that fits over your nose. Your dentist can easily adjust the level of sedation to fit your needs, and it typically begins working within minutes.
With nitrous oxide sedation, you will not suffer from short-term memory loss as you would with other types of sedation. When the mask is taken off at the end of treatment, the sedative effect of the laughing gas wears off, allowing you to go home with no aftereffects. If you are having nitrous oxide sedation for your dental treatment, you can even drive home on your own.
How Does Nitrous Oxide Sedation Help?
At Woodall & McNeill, we offer nitrous oxide sedation in Raleigh, NC, to help our patients overcome dental anxiety during treatments. When combined with oxygen, nitrous oxide produces a pleasant, euphoric feeling that helps patients relax. It works quickly and has no smell. Before long, you’ll feel at ease and happy, leaving you no time to worry about your dental procedure.
Depending on how anxious you are, you might need to use a good dose of laughing gas. Not to worry, though. You’ll be back to normal after a while because the effects of nitrous oxide sedation is reversible. Our dentist will give you oxygen to flush out any leftover nitrous oxide in your lungs right after your treatment. The oxygen will also keep you from developing a headache and assist you in waking up quickly, should you fall asleep during a dental procedure.
We highly recommend nitrous oxide sedation if you are anxious, have unique medical requirements, or have a gag reflex that could prevent dental treatments. Laughing gas is also recommended for children, uncooperative patients, and those who don’t respond to local anesthetics.
Who Should Avoid Nitrous Oxide Sedation?
Although the use of nitrous oxide anesthesia is safe and effective, it is not appropriate for all patients. You should avoid getting nitrous oxide sedation if you have the following conditions:
- First Trimester Pregnancy
- History of Drug Addiction
- History of Emotional Issues
- Vitamin B12 Deficiency
- Breathing Problems
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase Deficiency
- Currently Receiving Antibiotic in Chemotherapy
Relaxation for Your Dental Procedures in Raleigh
Woodall & McNeill is aware that every patient deal with dental problems differently. That’s why we are here to offer assistance and effective ways of dental anxiety management, including nitrous oxide sedation in Raleigh, NC.
Call us or schedule an appointment today to find out more about nitrous oxide sedation and how it can help you feel more relaxed during your dental visit.