Sedation dentistry can help many patients get access to even the most basic dental services. If your dentist recommends sedation, it is usually to address
one of these issues:
1. Lengthy procedures
2. Strong gag reflex
3. Severe dental anxiety
4. Disabilities that may prevent you from sitting comfortably in the dentist’s chair, etc.
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Essentially, sedation is available to make sure patients remain perfectly relaxed and comfortable while getting their oral health needs checked.If you’ve been told you may need sedation, then you’re likely wondering if you should make arrangements for someone to drive you home after. Well, if you’re getting laughing gas (nitrous oxide,) you may be able to drive yourself home. Keep reading to find out why.
Laughing gas doesn’t work like it does in the movies. Before your procedure, the dentist will place a small mask that covers your nose, and you will begin to breathe in a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen. Once it gets into your system, you’ll begin to feel relaxed and calm. Some people, particularly children, may become giggly when under the effects of the gas, which is where its popular name comes from.
You’ll continue to breathe in the gas while the dentist takes care of your oral health. Don't worry, the amount of gas you inhale is fully controlled and safe.
When the procedure is over, the dentist will switch from the laughing gas to pure oxygen. As you inhale and exhale, you’ll be expelling the nitrous oxide from your system. By the time you’re ready to leave, you’ll no longer be under the effects of the gas, and most likely be able to drive yourself home.
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Laughing gas is considered perfectly safe when administered by a trained professional in a controlled setting. In fact, it’s the sedation of choice for children, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Nitrous oxide is not known to cause any serious, life-threatening, or long-term side effects. However, some patients may experience some mild symptoms such as headaches or nausea. Usually, these symptoms appear as soon as the gas enters your system, and if that’s the case, the dentist will quickly switch to oxygen. Once the gas is expelled, the symptoms usually disappear.
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