Sedation Dentistry Owings Mills

Who Is a Good Candidate for Nitrous Oxide?

Dental fear or anxiety is very common. It frequently occurs due to a negative experience in childhood –perhaps the result of a tooth that did not get fully numb before a filling. But even people who have never had a less-than-positive experience at the dentist may have fear or anxiety. It is not easy to give up control by lying back and opening wide.

At Diamond Dental of Owings Mills, we are happy to offer our patients relaxing dentistry with nitrous oxide, which is also known as laughing gas. This mild but effective sedative is a good option for patients of all ages undergoing any type of procedure. From a child’s first filling to your own dental work, it is a safe, effective method for soothing jittery nerves and improving your oral health.

With all of that said, we also know soothing dental fears requires a little more than laughing gas. You need a dentist who takes time, fully explains treatments, and, above all, understands your fears and works to help you feel comfortable in the dental chair. Dr. Mattson offers a caring, calm approach that helps patients overcome their dental anxieties.

How Does Nitrous Oxide Work?

To administer nitrous oxide, it is mixed with oxygen and administered through a small mask that fits over your nose. You calmly breathe the gas in and out during your procedure, causing you to feel happier than you’ve ever felt in the dentist’s chair. While you won’t be asleep, you may feel so calm that you doze off or feel like time is going by quickly, helping you relax by taking your focus off the sights, smells, and sounds of what is going on around you. Once your treatment is complete, the mask is removed, and the effects of nitrous oxide will wear off almost immediately.

Aftercare for Nitrous Oxide

Good news: there is no lasting grogginess or sleepiness with nitrous oxide! Within minutes of removing the nasal mask, you’ll feel like yourself again and will be able to go about your day as usual. In fact, you won’t even need a trusted adult to drive you to and from your appointment – you can drive yourself. Of course, if you receive a treatment that requires aftercare instructions, such as a dental crown or root canal treatment, we will provide you with detailed information on how to care for your smile before you leave.

Schedule an Appointment Today

Our team at Diamond Dental of Owings Mills can help you overcome your dental fear or anxiety with nitrous oxide and our personalized, caring approach. If you think you could benefit from being a little more relaxed in the dental chair (and who couldn’t?), please get in touch with us to schedule an appointment. We can’t wait to help you smile bigger and brighter with the help of light sedation dentistry.