Do you struggle with anxiety surrounding going to the dentist? Do you constantly experience head, neck, and jaw pain in the treatment chair? Do you need extensive dental work? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then nitrous oxide may be the solution you’ve been looking for. But will this calming solution cause you to fall asleep or lose consciousness? Keep reading to learn the answer!
So, Will Nitrous Oxide Put You to Sleep?
In short, the answer is no. Unlike general anesthesia, nitrous oxide is a mild sedative that will not put you to sleep. Instead, patients describe feeling a sense of calm, and even “euphoric” or “light,” hence the name “laughing gas.” Although you may feel so relaxed that you fall asleep, you will be conscious, easily awakened, and able to respond to all verbal commands throughout the procedure.
An Inside Look at How Nitrous Oxide Works
Now that you know a bit more about the sensation associated with nitrous oxide, it’s time to discuss how it works. Essentially, a nose mask will administer the sedative. After a few minutes of breathing it in, you will begin to experience deep relaxation. Once your dentist has confirmed that you are feeling the effects and are comfortable, they will begin to work. Throughout your treatment, the nitrous oxide can be adjusted as needed, and the effects will dissipate shortly after your procedure is done!
What Are the Benefits of Nitrous Oxide?
If you’re still on the fence about nitrous oxide, it may help to learn more about the numerous benefits this calming solution offers. A few important ones to note are:
- It allows more dentistry to be completed in a single visit.
- It’s safe and easy to administer.
- It helps prevent head, neck, and jaw pain in the treatment chair.
- The effects dissipate almost instantly, ensuring little-to-no recovery time.
- It’s fast-acting and effective.
- It helps patients who struggle with dental-related anxiety get the essential dental care they need without the stress.
If you’ve never had nitrous oxide before, then it’s completely natural to have questions about how it will feel. Now you know that it won’t put you to sleep! If you think that sedation dentistry is right for you, then don’t hesitate to let your dentist know.
About the Practice
Our team at RP Dental & Implants is proud to offer sedation dentistry so each and every patient can have the comfortable, anxiety-free experience they deserve. With 20+ years of experience under our belt, we have the skill and expertise needed to administer nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation. We would be happy to answer any questions you have beforehand too! So, if you’d like to learn more about sedation dentistry or are ready to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to visit our website or call 352-750-0008.