Need Dental Sedation? What You Should Know About Using Nitrous Oxide
If you are the type of person that needs to be sedated when going to the dentist, you should try using nitrous oxide during your next dentist appointment. Also known as laughing gas, this form of dental sedation can be great for anybody that goes to the dentist. Here are 5 things you need to know about nitrous oxide before you request it for your next dental procedure.
You Should Avoid Eating Before Your Appointment
For those planning to use laughing gas, be aware that you should not eat for a few hours prior to sedation dentistry. This is because recently eating food can cause you to feel nauseous once you are administered the nitrous oxide. You definitely do not want to vomit while your dentist is working on your mouth, so limit your eating on the day of the appointment.
You Can Drive Yourself To The Dentist
Many forms of dental sedation leave you in a state that makes it hard to drive to or from the dentist. For example, oral sedation medication can make it dangerous to drive a car. IV sedation can cause you to not be aware of what is happening for quite some time after you stop using the sedation method.
Nitrous oxide wears off fairly fast after you stop using the gas. You can safely drive to the dentist and know that you can drive back home when everything is finished.
You May Not Experience Any Side Effects
A huge benefit of using nitrous oxide is that you will most likely not experience any side effects. Some people may experience a headache, but in general, the side effects should not deter you from using the sedation method.
Your Dentist Won't Be Affected By The Gas
There is no need to be concerned about your dentist breathing in the nitrous oxide while he or she is performing your dental procedure. The equipment used to administer the nitrous oxide uses a unique scavenger system, which prevents the gas from leaking out of the mask and prevents those around you from breathing it in.
You May Not Remember The Dental Procedure
Even though nitrous oxide can put you in a mindset where you are still able to talk and answer questions, it is possible that you won't remember the procedure when it is finished. This will depend on how your body reacts to the gas, since everybody is different.
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