While nitrous oxide (also known as laughing gas) is generally safe, there are certain patients it is not recommended for.
Commonly known as laughing gas, nitrous oxide is a type of inhalation sedation that has been widely used in sedation dentistry since the 19th century when it was introduced to medicine. It is generally one of the safest substances that is used in sedation dentistry, as it’s effect doesn’t last long.
Dr. Behl!
I cannot recommend Dr. Maris Behl enough. If you have dental anxiety, she is truly the kind of dentist you hope to find. If teeth could be wrapped in pillows and protected by flying unicorns, Dr. Behl would somehow make it happen.
I have significant anxiety around dental procedures and have needed deeper sedation for dental work in the past. From the beginning, Dr. Behl took the time to listen to my concerns and made me feel genuinely heard rather than dismissed or rushed. She created such a sense of trust and safety that I was eventually able to have my dental work done with only nitrous instead of full sedation, which is something I honestly didn’t think I would be comfortable doing.
During my crown placement, she explained what she was doing throughout the procedure, which made an enormous difference in keeping me calm. She also took the time to address a filling that had been bothering me for what felt like forever — and she actually fixed the problem.
What stands out most about Dr. Behl is how safe I feel in her care. She is compassionate, patient, communicative, and incredibly attentive to how her patients are feeling. For someone with dental anxiety, that combination is invaluable.
Finding a dentist I trust this much has completely changed my experience with dental care. I am incredibly grateful to Dr. Behl and would recommend her without hesitation, especially to anyone who has dental anxiety or has struggled to feel comfortable receiving dental treatment.
Response from the owner:Thank you for such incredibly kind words! We’ll be sure to pass this along to Dr. Behl. We’re pretty sure the flying unicorns are going to be the part she remembers most! 🦄💙 We’re so glad our team could help make your experience a more comfortable one.
Dr Thoms and his team are phenomenal. No question, the absolute best possible option for my child when he needed work done while sleeping (age based). While this option is not inexpensive, this set up of have anesthesiology in-house allowed us to get his mouth healthy when a traditional pediatric dentist could/would not. I am a parent that asks a lot of questions on behalf of my toddler’s care and at no point did I feel judged for this, nor was I rushed during my evaluation process during the consultation. Although the procedure is not one I would like to repeat for my child, my husband and I were both so pleased with how well Dr. Thoms communicated and how he clearly cared for our son’s wellbeing (both physical and emotional during a less than comfortable visit). Cannot recommend the back of house team more highly.
My one detraction is the FOH staff (not everyone) were not nearly as pleasant. I would like to communicate that while their day-to-day is very routine for them, being in that office as a parent is very scary for some people in their office and a little bit of kindness goes along way. I do recall, having a very pleasant conversation with Rebecca, but otherwise everyone else was on the apathetic side, in my personal opinion. That said you’ll notice that I still am leaving a five star review because the dental staff really just knocked out of the park, but as a parent I want to encourage you to look past any rudeness you may experience over email or on the phone because Dr. Thom’s is really that excellent.
Response from the owner:Thank you for taking the time to share such thoughtful feedback. We’re grateful to hear that our team provided compassionate, attentive care and took the time to answer your questions throughout the process. We also appreciate your comments regarding your experience with our front office team and will certainly share your feedback. Your kind words mean so much to us!
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Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! We’re so glad you had a positive experience with our team. We truly appreciate your 5-star review!
While it may seem perfectly harmless, laughing gas is still a sedative and should be taken only with a recommendation from your St. Louis sedation dentist, as it can have side effects when interacting with other medications or when administered to a person with an incompatible condition. That is why doctors choose the sedation option that is best for the patient instead of adapting the patient to the medication.
When Is Nitrous Oxide Recommended?
Laughing gas is often recommended when a patient has dentist anxiety or when he has to go through a long and tiring procedure. Sedation is an option also when the gag reflex is stronger than average or when the patient simply wants to make the treatment a bit easier to go through.
When it comes to patients that should not be put under stress, like patients with cardiac bypass or suffering from strong anxiety, administering nitrous oxide will generally make the dental procedure safer, as it takes away the associated stress.
Usually, young children that have to go through a dental procedure have trouble being still and patient for so long. Laughing gas can make the procedure possible.
Why It May Not Be Recommended
Although generally safe, there are times it should not be used. That’s why your St. Louis sedation dentist will check your medical history first before determining the best course of action.
Patients who have limited lung capacity or obstructive pulmonary disease should not be administered laughing gas. The safety of nitrous oxide is given by the fact that it acts quickly and wears out quickly as well. With these patients, however, the gas takes longer to act, as it is absorbed slower, and it leaves the body slowly as well. This greatly reduces the advantage of laughing gas has over other forms of sedation.
Patients who have a stuffy nose and are forced to breathe through their mouths may not be good candidates for nitrous oxide either. Laughing gas is administered through nasal airways and it won’t be as effective if the patient cannot breathe well through their nose.
Patients who cough are also to be administered other kinds of sedatives.
Pregnant women should not be administered nitrous oxide unless it is an emergency and the amount of sedatives is approved by an obstetrician. The toxicity of nitrous oxide to multiplying cells can be a threat to the fetus, especially in the first weeks of pregnancy.
Patients with intracranial disorders shouldn’t be administered laughing gas, as it can increase the pressure levels in the skull.
Additionally, if you take certain medications or you use drugs, you need to specify this to your doctor before being given laughing gas, as they might interact badly and manifest side effects.
Speak With The First Two Board Certified Dental Anesthesiologists in the State of Missouri
The bottom line is that it is extremely important to discuss all of your medical history with an experienced certified dental anesthesiologist before proceeding with treatment. To speak with the only certified dental anesthesiologists in the state of Missouri, call The Dental Anesthesia Center to day at (314) 862-7844.
