Nitrous Oxide

Dental anxiety is a very real condition. Some patients are terrified when going to doctor or dental appointments. Dental appointments seem to provide more anxiety than most. Dr. Tom B. Curtis has nitrous oxide available for use in patients with an uncontrollable fear of the dentist.

Nitrous oxide is also known as “laughing gas.” It is a mild sedative used to relax patients to allow an easier dental exam or procedure. Nitrous oxide is the preferred method of dental office sedation as it is 100% reversible very quickly. The calming effect begins working quickly and is considered safe for children as well.

The benefits of nitrous oxide are that the patient is not entirely asleep and can respond to questions and directions from the dentist.

Receiving nitrous oxide is painless. A small mask is placed over the nose, and the patient breathes normally. Shortly afterward, a tingling sensation or heaviness may be felt in the arms and legs. It may cause a feeling of lightheadedness, but the overall effect is usually a feeling of calm.

Reversing the nitrous oxide is as simple as removing the mask. Normal sensation begins returning rapidly.

Let Dr. Curtis know if you feel you may require nitrous oxide.