Will you soon undergo a dental procedure? You may be curious about what to expect during your upcoming experience. Specifically, you may want to know what you will feel while your dental team is working. The good news is that local anesthesia, combined with nitrous oxide sedation, can ensure that you feel virtually no discomfort. But what exactly does nitrous oxide do? Will it put you to sleep? Read on below to discover some important details about this form of sedation.
How Does Nitrous Oxide Work?
Nitrous oxide is a colorless, nearly odorless gas that your dentist administers through a nose mask. It is mixed with oxygen to minimize the risk of adverse side effects. As you inhale it, it induces feelings of relaxation and well-being. It also dulls your pain response. It accomplishes all of that by interfering with processes in your body that instigate anxiety and fear.
What Does Nitrous Oxide Feel Like?
Most patients enjoy a happy, calm, and relaxed feeling while under the influence of nitrous oxide. Many even report sensations of euphoria or giddiness, and some note that the gas gives them tingling feels. Also common is a light, floating sensation.
The purpose of nitrous oxide is not to cause unconsciousness or “knock you out.” The majority of patients stay alert enough to easily respond to questions and directions from their dental team. However, it isn’t unheard of for patients to feel so relaxed while under the influence of nitrous oxide that they drift off to sleep. If that happens to you, it should be easy for your dental team to wake you up with gentle stimuli, such as by calling your name or lightly shaking you.
What to Expect After Nitrous Oxide
Once your dental team finishes working on your mouth, your nose mask will be removed, and you will begin to breathe in regular air. After just a few minutes, the effects of your sedation should wear off completely. In fact, you can expect to be alert enough to drive yourself home and resume other normal activities.
Some patients experience mild side effects following exposure to nitrous oxide, which can include things like nausea or a headache. Such issues tend to resolve fairly quickly.
Is Nitrous Oxide Right for You?
Because nitrous oxide is a mild form of sedation that wears off quickly, it is a great option for busy individuals who want to get right back to their usual activities following their dental appointment. (Of course, if your procedure was somewhat invasive, you may need to take a little downtime, regardless of which form of sedation was used.) It is safe for patients of virtually all ages. There are only a few groups for whom it is not usually recommended, such as pregnant women and those with certain respiratory conditions.
Nitrous oxide will not put you to sleep, but it will help you feel calm and relaxed enough to get through your next dental procedure with ease.
Meet the Practice
The team at Capital Smiles features a highly skilled dentist, Drs. Erin Page. We are proud to offer multiple forms of sedation, including nitrous oxide. To request an appointment with us or learn more about how we may be able to serve you, contact us at 518-374-0317.