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Use of Laughing Gas for Sedation Dentistry |
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Most people in the United States experience some level of dental anxiety. For some, it is only a feeling of nervousness that engulfs them during their time in the waiting-room, but for others it is a consuming fear that prevents them from making dental appointments. |
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| Author: Sara Goldstein |
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There are many different sedation dentistry treatment options available, but one of the most popular is nitrous oxide, sometimes called laughing gas.
What Is Laughing Gas?
The active component in laughing gas is nitrous oxide (N2O). The exact mechanism of laughing gas is unknown, but we do understand that it causes a release of opioids in the brain, known as endorphins, similar to the effect caused by opiates such as morphine. People taking opiate pain relievers may experience less impact from laughing gas. The release of opioids in the brain stimulates pain suppression throughout the body. In addition, it causes a euphoric feeling, which can lead to floating, tingling, and warm feelings as well as giggling fits, which is why it is caused laughing gas.
Pure nitrous oxide can damage the brain over a relatively short period of time. Modern laughing gas utilizes a mixture of nitrous oxide and pure oxygen, commonly a 50-50 mixture, but the amount used in your case can be customized to give you the best results.
The Laughing Gas Experience
Many people choose laughing gas because it has a number of benefits, including:
• A pleasant sedation experience
• Quick action--you can quickly be moved into a sedated state
• Quick recovery--you can quickly come to full alertness--you may even be capable of driving yourself home, though many dentists require you to have a designated driver even if you seem fully recovered before you leave the office.
How laughing gas will feel to you cannot be known until you try it, but most people report a number of sensations. They experience lightheadedness, tingling, and a humming or vibrating sensation. This will often progress to numbness in the extremities and a profound feeling of warmth. This will transform into euphoria and a sense of being well-cared-for or even floating. This is the desired level of sedation.
If you find you are having trouble responding to questions or cannot keep your eyes open, you may be drifting into a deeper level of sedation and should mention it to your dentist. At this deeper level of sedation, people experience a number of side effects such as nausea or even flashbacks. To get the best laughing gas experience, your dentist should begin with oxygen, then gradually increase the level of nitrous oxide used until reaching the preferred treatment concentration.
Find the Right Dentist
Not all dentists offer sedation dentistry, and many only offer oral sedation. To get the best sedation dentistry experience, you should look for a local dentist who offers multiple sedation options. You should also talk to your dentist about his or her sedation dentistry experience, training, and technique to ensure they are qualified to offer the sedation dentistry option you prefer.
If you live in the San Diego area and want to learn more about sedation dentistry with nitrous oxide, please visit the website of sedation dentist Dr. Mary A. Walsh-Cole.
About Author
Dr. Mary A. Walsh-Cole offers cosmetic dentistry to patients in San Diego, Encinitas and Carlsbad.
Article Source:
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