Laughing Gas/Nitrous Oxide
We offer nitrous oxide, also called laughing gas, for patients in certain settings. When a patient has high anxiety in the dentist’s chair, laughing gas is a safe, breathable substance for relaxation. This gas is a safe substance for all ages and is not intended to put patients to sleep. Instead, with nitrous oxide, patients can reduce their focus on oral treatment and improve their outcomes.
Should I Ask For Laughing Gas / Nitrous Oxide?
Yes, if you are anticipating dental work that requires numbing or a long treatment period, and have high dental anxiety. It is a good idea to ask for nitrous oxide as a treatment before your visit, such as when setting up your appointment. This will ensure the substance is available and you have cleared the treatment with the dentist.
It’s important to know that not all patients require or can use laughing gas for treatments. If you take medications over-the-counter or by prescription that interact with nitrous oxide, this will prevent you from using this treatment.
How Do Dentists Use Nitrous Oxide?
Nitrous oxide is administered at our practice via a rubber mask that rests over the patient’s nose. One of the doctors will adjust the oxygen/nitrous oxide ratio to fit the patient’s needs, and an assistant will remain by the patient’s side for monitoring for the duration of treatment. Once treatment is finished, the doctor will have the patient breathe pure oxygen for 5 minutes, and then the patient is cleared to leave.
Who is a good candidate for dental implants?
Dental implants consist of a titanium post that sits below the gum line, an abutment (or connector) piece that sits above the gum line, and an artificial tooth attached to the abutment. The best candidates for dental implants have strong enough bone structure to support the implant post. Some people are not good candidates for this procedure due to certain medical conditions or lifestyle habits.
These include:
- Blood clotting disorders
- Bone diseases
- Currently receiving treatment for cancer
- Smoking
- Uncontrolled diabetes
We do not place dental implants here, opting to refer our patients to surgical specialists – either an oral surgeon or a periodontist. We do, however, help create the tooth restoration that affixes to the implant. Most of our patients who have dental implants say that they function, look, and feel just like their natural teeth.
