Sedation Dentistry

Is Laughing Gas Safe for Everyone?

July 8, 2019 by DAC Leave a Comment

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.

st. louis woman being sedated at dentist

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 Only 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.

6 Questions to Ask Your Dentist Before Opting for Sedation

July 1, 2019 by DAC Leave a Comment

Sedation dentistry is becoming more common than ever before, as dentists focus on offering a less traumatic and more relaxing experience to their patients.

Dentist anxiety, while it still is one of the most common phobias people have, is less justified in the context of today’s gentle medical practices.

If you are scheduled to receive a certain dental procedure in the near future, you might consider sedation to be an option. You may have heard about others’ experience with it and you are curious about it. The best way to get informed about sedation dentistry is to discuss it with your St. Louis sedation dentist.

Here are the six questions you should prepare for the discussion prior to your procedure to make sure you understand everything you need about your dental sedation options.

Why Would You Recommend Sedation Dentistry for Me?

First of all, you need to see if using sedation for your dental procedure is really necessary. If you are dealing with mild anxiety, your doctor could try other options before giving you sedatives. Some clinics use different methods of relaxation, such as watching movies, listening to music and even enjoying hot towels or a massage while you receive your treatment.

What Sedation Options Do You Offer?

Let your doctor tell you more about each sedation option that you are eligible for. If possible, you will be able to choose between them and make an informed decision. Talk about their effect, the preparations, the associated risks, and so on.

Which Level of Sedation Is Best For Me?

There are different levels of sedation that can be used in dentistry, from nitrous oxide inhalation (laughing gas,) oral sedation (pills,) IV sedation or even general anesthesia. Depending on the complexity and length of the procedure and your capacity to sit still for a long time, your St. Louis sedation dentist will recommend the best option for you.

How Experienced Are You in Dental Sedation?

Not all dentists can perform all types of sedation. They need to be trained by specific institutions to perform general anesthesia or IV sedation, for example. Sometimes, your doctor will work with an anesthesiologist who can focus exclusively on your sedation and vital signs, while the dentist does the procedure.

What Are the Associated Risks of This Type of Sedation?

After discussing your medical history with your doctor, they should be able to tell you exactly what the associated risks with the type of sedation chosen for you are. Ask about the measures they are planning to take in case something happens.

How Do I Need to Prepare for the Procedure?

Depending on the type of sedation you will receive, there are certain preparations you need to make before your appointment. Some types of sedation require you to plan for a designated driver to come and pick you up after the procedure. Others require you to not eat for a few hours before the procedure. Make sure your doctor tells you exactly what you need to do before your appointment.

Asking these six questions is very helpful when considering sedation for the first time. Keep yourself well informed and make sure you collaborate with the Only Board Certified Dental Anesthesiologists in the State of Missouri, including the St. Louis Metro Area. Call The Dental Anesthesia Center today at (314) 862-7844 to learn more!

Is Laughing Gas Enough for My Dental Procedure?

June 19, 2019 by DAC Leave a Comment

“Laughing gas” can be a lifesaver for patients who experience anxiety while in the dentist’s chair.

Sedation dentistry helps many persons receive much needed dental treatment that would be difficult to perform without these relaxing medications. However you may wonder, is laughing gas enough to help you go through the procedure?

What Is “Laughing Gas”?

You probably heard anecdotes about laughing gas at the dentist, and the nickname it has surely sparked an interest. Laughing gas is actually nitrous oxide, an odorless, non-irritant gas that is administered through inhalation before and during certain procedures, alleviating pain and helping the patient relax.

This type of sedation is ideal for people who also experience anxiety about needles and syringes. It is painless and comfortable to administer it, which often makes laughing gas great for children.

Is It Efficient?

Now that we laid the basics of what laughing gas is, you probably wonder if it is the right sedation for you. The answer is, inhalation sedation is generally safe for most patients.

However, is laughing gas enough to keep you sedated if you need to undergo a lengthy procedure or a complex one? Will it keep the pain down during the treatment? Will it last long enough for the dentist to finish the procedure before you get too anxious?

While these are certainly valid concerns a patient may have, rest assured that your St. Louis sedation dentist will consider all the factors before making a decision. He will choose the best sedation method for your medical background and the procedure that you need.

Laughing gas is, in fact, often recommended for short procedures, as its effects wear off fast. It is the only sedation method that may allow you to leave and drive yourself after the treatment. As soon as the doctor takes the mask off, you generally have a few minutes before the effect wears off.

How Will Inhalation Sedation Feel?

We have mentioned anecdotes that you may have heard about inhalation sedation. Most of these stories are exaggerated, of course. One common theme is that you will fall asleep during the procedure. While it is possible to feel so relaxed that you will actually fall asleep, it doesn’t happen every time. You will feel a tingling sensation in your limbs, a good warm feeling taking over you, grogginess and relaxation. You will most probably not remember anything from the procedure.

These sensations will help you stay calm and accept the treatment with no problems. Laughing gas is a great way to receive the treatment you need if you experience a lot of fear related to going to the dentist.

Next time you have an appointment with your St. Louis sedation dentist, discuss the possibility of being administered inhalation sedation. Your doctor will explain the risks, benefits and you will decide together if it is the right option for you.

Schedule an Appointment Today!

We are the Only Board Certified Dental Anesthesiologists in the State of Missouri, including the St. Louis Metro Area.

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5 Possible Ways to Cope with Dental Anxiety

June 12, 2019 by DAC Leave a Comment

It doesn’t matter if you only had positive experiences so far, you can still be afraid of the dentist and reluctant to schedule your next appointment.

Dental anxiety is more common than you can imagine. It doesn’t matter if you only had positive experiences so far, you can still be afraid of the dentist and reluctant to schedule your next appointment. It has to do with human nature. We tend to be fearful of the things that we can’t control. Add to the mix the thought of the pain that one might experience in the dentist chair or the embarrassment of having bad teeth, and you can see why so many people avoid seeing the dentist.

Before anything, it is important to find a dentist that is empathetic and can help ease your anxiety. They can share some tricks with you, explain everything that will happen, and let you get accustomed to the environment. Here are 5 tips to help you cope with dental anxiety.

Accept That You Are Afraid

The first step to dealing with your anxiety is understanding your fear and accepting it. Try to understand what’s causing it and write it down. Talk to your dentist about it as he might help you find the right ways to manage it.

Some people think that facing their fears means not talking about them and pushing through procedures that make them feel uneasy. They are just repressing. A healthier approach would be talking with your dentist before the appointment and letting him know about your anxiety. The doctor can then create a plan that will account for your fears and help you feel more comfortable during the procedures.

Bring Someone with You

Ask a friend or a family member to accompany you and be by your side during your appointment. Make sure to bring someone who isn’t afraid of the dentist too and who can make the entire experience feel more fun and relaxed.

Schedule Your Appointments Wisely

You probably tend to postpone the appointment until it’s too late, but that’s working to your disadvantage. Instead of scheduling the visit late in the afternoon and spending all day thinking about it and becoming more and more anxious, set the appointment first thing in the morning and get it over with it quickly.

Use Distractions

Don’t spend time obsessing over the sound the instruments are making, the size of the needles, and so on. Try to distract yourself by listening to music or podcasts, watching a video or fiddling with a stress ball.

Consider Sedation

If your anxiety is too intense to control, then sedation might be the right option for you. Talk with a St. Louis sedation dentist to determine the best option for your needs. Maybe laughing gas will be enough to help you manage your fear and be out of the chair and on your way as soon as the procedures are done.

What other ways of managing your dental anxiety have you tried? What worked for you? Share your experience with us in a comment below!

Why You Should Discuss Your Medical History with Your Dentist

May 29, 2019 by DAC Leave a Comment

Having this information available and updated regularly will help your St. Louis sedation dentist paint a better picture of your overall health and give you the best treatment option for your oral health.

Sedation dentistry keeps patients calm enough to receive needed treatment safely and with no discomfort. Sedation is used during long and complex procedures, or when treating patients with dental anxiety, children, seniors or people with certain disabilities.

While sedation has certain associated risks, its benefits generally outweigh them in most cases. Moreover, the doctors are prepared to stabilize the patient in case something falls out of the expected parameters.

During preliminary talk, your St. Louis sedation dentist will want to hear about your medical history before deciding what type of sedation best fits your case best. Here is what your doctor needs to know.

Medications You Are on

Keep a list of all the medications you are on at the moment and present it to your doctor during your preliminary consultation. Even if you have recently interrupted a treatment, mention that to your dentist, as you might still have the active substance in your system.

Other Special Conditions

Besides the medication you are taking, it is important for the dentist to know if you have any condition that could interfere with the treatment. For example, if you are trying to have a baby, make sure to mention a possible pregnancy to your dentist, especially before getting sedation dentistry, as not all forms of sedation are safe for pregnant women.

Other conditions that are relevant to your dentist are related to major surgery, respiratory conditions, allergies, heart conditions, etc. If you are currently receiving treatment for something, it is not a bad idea to mention it to your dentist, especially if you are scheduled for a more complex dental procedure.

Other Mentions

If you think that any health mention would have an impact on your dental treatment, mention it. This may include medication you are taking (including plasters with active substances, ointments or inhaled substances,) chronic conditions like asthma or epilepsy, drugs you have taken recently, smoking, and so on. Some may seem irrelevant to a dentist visit, but oral health is connected to your overall health. Therefore, it is important for your dentist to have an updated medical archive.

Having this information available and updated regularly will help your St. Louis sedation dentist paint a better picture of your overall health and give you the best treatment option for your oral health. This practice can avoid dangerous combinations of medication, and can help your dentist diagnose you better.

Do Cavity Fillings Make You Anxious? Sedation Might Be the Solution!

May 23, 2019 by DAC Leave a Comment

Talk about your fears with your St. Louis sedation dentist. Don’t hesitate to let them know if certain dental procedures make you nervous.

Many people believe that only anxious people can ask for sedation dentistry or those who need extensive, complex surgery. Not everyone considers the possibility of being administered sedatives for getting a cavity filling. However, this common procedure can make some patients anxious and uncomfortable, forcing them to postpone the treatment. So, the question you may ask yourself now is: can I request dental sedation for my cavity filling?

The short answer is yes.

It’s OK to Be Afraid

Dental anxiety is not as uncommon as you may think. Most patients experience some level of anxiety when in the dentist’s chair either because they had a negative experience in the past or because of the scary anecdotes they heard from their friends and family.

Dentists nowadays are working hard to offer their patients a welcoming and safe environment where they can receive the treatment they need without feeling uncomfortable. Many dental offices offer extra services that alleviate anxiety, such as massages, TV programs or music, warm towels and other small perks that could make the patient feel more comfortable.

However, when it comes to the pain and various sensations one feels when getting a cavity filled, warm towels may not be enough to calm down the patient. Sedation dentistry could be the solution in this situation. Not only that it will target pain and nervousness, but it will also eliminate them.

What Sedation Option Should You Choose?

Talk about your fears with your St. Louis sedation dentist. Don’t hesitate to let them know if certain dental procedures make you nervous. That way you can choose the sedation option that best meets your needs.

Laughing Gas – Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is one of the mildest options for sedation. You will inhale the gas and feel tingling sensations, numbness, and grogginess. Its effect doesn’t last long, but a cavity filling shouldn’t need more time anyway.

Conscious Sedation – This form of sedation will leave you conscious and able to communicate with the doctor, but unable to feel pain. It also makes you feel calm and relaxed, and able to go on with the treatment.

IV Sedation – This type of sedation is rather strong and your doctor might recommend in case of a more complicated filling. This form of sedation is administered by an anesthesiologist who will monitor your vitals at all times.

These are the main types of sedation, each with their own particular advantages, associated risks, and recommendations. Discuss your medical history with your dentist and decide which sedation option is best for your procedure. Following your doctor’s orders will ensure a smooth and anxiety-free procedure.

Speak With a St. Louis Sedation Dentist

Even if you only have to get a cavity filling, being sedated can make the difference between receiving proper treatment and postponing it.

Call The Dental Anesthesia Center and schedule an appointment today at

(314) 862-7844