Nitrous oxide has been used to help dental patients remain calm and comfortable during treatment for almost two centuries. During this period, the treatment has proven itself to be effective and safe without any long-term side effects, and dentists today rely on it to keep procedures pleasant and anxiety-free for many patients of all ages. However, you may not be aware of how nitrous oxide can help patients with issues other than dental anxiety. Here are a few of the lesser-known benefits of sedation dentistry.
Reducing the Gag Reflex
The gag reflex is a wonderful adaptation that has saved countless lives from choking, but this reaction can get in the way of dental procedures if it is oversensitive. Thankfully, nitrous oxide sedation can temporarily reduce the reaction threshold of this reflex, allowing a patient to sit still enough for their dentist to treat them effectively. This can prevent injuries, save time, and keep the patient much more comfortable during the procedure.
Taking the Frustration out of Long Procedures
Sometimes, a patient requires a long procedure or a series of procedures to be carried out in one appointment, and sitting for an extended period in a dentist’s chair with one’s mouth open can be a frustrating and uncomfortable experience for some. Thankfully, nitrous oxide can induce a sense of calm and well-being, helping these patients remain still and comfortable as they sit through their treatment, making it much easier and safer for the dentist to perform the necessary procedures quickly and effectively.
Helping People with Special Needs Receive Dental Care
Many people live with physical, emotional, or mental conditions that make it much more difficult for them to sit calmly through a dentist’s appointment. This can be for reasons such as the patient being physically unable to sit still or the dental office environment being too stressful or overstimulating. Nitrous oxide can help many of these patients remain still and calm while they receive the dental care they need to keep their smiles in great shape for life.
Nitrous oxide is an effective way to help a patient remain calm and comfortable during dental procedures, and its effects disappear within fifteen minutes of the end of treatment. Consulting with your dentist can help you find out if this form of dental sedation can be a good fit for you.
About the Author
Dr. Racha W. Kadamani earned her dental degree at the Loma Linda University School of Dentistry and has over eighteen years of experience in her field. She is proud to serve as a member of the American Dental Association and the Texas Dental Association. Her office in San Antonio offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as dental sedation treatments. To learn more about how nitrous oxide may be able to help you, contact her office online or dial (210) 782-6842.
