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Dr. Janice Mummery, Dentist
Etobicoke, ON
Nitrous Oxide Sedation in Etobicoke, Toronto
Book An AppointmentA dentist check-up, routine cleaning, or a major procedure can be daunting for many people and that’s why nitrous oxide sedation in dentistry is a useful tool to help ease the stress and anxiety of a dental visit.
It is vital to a person’s overall health to ensure their oral health is maintained and free from disease. Visiting a dentist on a regular basis can help improve a person’s physical, mental, and emotional health. Nitrous oxide sedation is a favourable option to reduce anxiety and fear of dental treatment.
What is Nitrous Oxide Sedation?
Nitrous oxide sedation is typically used for dental procedures where the patient is awake but relaxed. The gas is delivered through a mask that is placed over the patient’s nose, helping them to relax. The dentist controls the amount of gas the patient receives during the procedure.
Dentistry that uses nitrous oxide is often referred to as “sleep dentistry.” However, this is actually an inaccurate description of the procedure since the patients are typically awake, unless they choose to undergo general anesthesia.
Types of Sedation Dentistry
There are different types of sedation dentistry available. These include:
Oral Sedation
The dentist will give the patient medication that provides either mild or moderate sedation. Halcion and Valium are typically used for these procedures. Both make the patient drowsy but they are still awake. Patients that receive a stronger dose to moderately sedate them may even fall asleep.
IV Sedation
This is another form of moderate sedation where the patient receives a sedative through an IV so it goes to work more quickly. This method allows a dentist to control the level of sedation.
Deep Sedation and General Anesthesia
This process renders the patient either partially or completely unconscious. Using this method, the patient is not awakened until the effects of the medication have worn off.
Benefits of Nitrous Oxide Sedation Dentistry
- Reduces anxiety Nitrous oxide can be used to reduce anxiety in those who have a real fear of dental work.
- Increased patient comfort level With little to no anxiety experienced, the patient is comfortable both mentally and physically.
- Better pain management Nitrous oxide has the chemical components to inhibit pain receptors, which helps the patient to have little to no pain during and after the procedure. However local anaesthetic is still required.
- Improved patient co-operation If the patient opts for a mild sedation, they are conscious during the dental procedure and can communicate with the dentist for when they are required to move or respond.
- Increased efficiency for dentist By being able to communicate during a dental procedure, the patient’s cooperation allows the dentist to perform the procedure with better efficiency.
- Reduction in gag reflex As many dental procedures can take time, patients may have issues with their gag reflex. Mild sedation can help reduce or eliminate the problem.
Risks and Side Effects of Nitrous Oxide Sedation
- Nausea & vomiting
- Dizziness
- Headache
Frequently Asked Questions
For all forms of sedation in dentistry, using nitrous oxide is one of the safest methods of reducing anxiety while blocking pain receptors. The amount of the gas used is measured by the dental professional based on the type of procedure, the patient’s pain tolerance, and the length of the specific treatment.
As a colourless and odourless gas, nitrous oxide is a combination of nitrogen and oxygen that acts as a mild sedative when drawn in through the nose and expelled through the mouth. Within 20 seconds, this gas stimulates the brain cells to inhibit pain receptors within minutes. By blocking neurotransmitters, any anxiety experienced is diminished, giving way for dopamine release by the brain.
While it takes only a few minutes for nitrous oxide to take effect, the time for the effects to wear off can vary from 5 to 20 minutes. As with the required level needed, sedation will last dependent on the amount used by the dentist. However the effect is completely gone before you can leave the dental office.
The cost of using nitrous oxide for dental sedation depends on the length of time it is used. This will be determined by the dentist based on the type of procedure being performed and the length of appointment needed. Talk to your dentist about the costs of sedation and whether or not it is covered by your extended health insurance plan.
When undergoing sedation, a dentist will typically offer varying degrees.
- Mild Sedation: The patient is awake but relaxed.
- Moderate Sedation: This degree of sedation was once known as “conscious sedation.” The patient may slur their words but they won’t remember much, or anything, about the procedure.
- Deep Sedation: The patient is on the edge of being unconscious but can still be awakened.
- General Anesthesia: The patient is completely unconscious.
Regardless of the type of dental treatment / procedure being received, the dentist will use a local anesthetic to numb the area in the mouth that is being worked on, ensuring the patient is completely comfortable.
Call Today to Book an Appointment for Sedation Dentistry in Etobicoke
If you need a dental service and wish to have the option of dental sedation as part of the treatment plan, contact the team at Princeview Dental Group. We offer nitrous oxide sedation treatments for your comfort. Call us today at (416)-231-4562 to book a consultation.