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.
I am so impressed with this Place. The staff is super friendly and explains everything in great detail and really takes their time with their patients. I came here after 15+ years of not having Dental insurance or the means to see a Dentist.
Needless to say, my teeth were in pretty bad shape, and I needed a deep periodontal cleaning. When I went in for consultation back in February I was totally nervous, anxious had no clue what to expect. I just knew that I needed to a tooth that was falling out pulled and needed to do something about my teeth.
After talking with a staff member and Dr. Hoffmann I felt totally at ease. Both my procedures in Feb and May went incredibly well and I woke up from both with an incredible smile.
I came back today for follow up and cleaning my Hygienist was awesome I still had some sensitivity around my front teeth and when she noticed I flinched she stopped and said do you need break, or do you want me to put some numbing jell on your front teeth.
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If you have been putting off dental work because of anxiety, I encourage you to check this place out. The staff truly cares about their clients.
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I went to nervous and 3 to 4 hours later, I essentially woke up in the car on my way home without realizing anything had happened. If you have trauma with previous dental issues, this is the place.
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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.
