If you experience anxiety in the dental chair, you aren’t alone. For a variety of reasons, many people feel nervous when they come in for dental treatment, and one of the sedation dentistry options we are pleased to offer our patients is nitrous oxide. Nitrous oxide is a very common way to reduce dental anxiety.
Nitrous oxide was discovered in 1772. It was first used in the treatment of tuberculosis, but in 1798 a dentist named Humphry Davy discovered that it produced a sense of euphoria in people. For a time, it was used for recreational purposes, particularly among the wealthy people in England. Decades later, an American dentist by the name of Horace Wells discovered that nitrous oxide relaxed him when he had a tooth extracted by one of his assistants.
As you can see, nitrous oxide has been used in dentistry for many years. Our dentists, Dr. Damien Garcia and Dr. Lisa Gortari can use it to help relieve your dental anxiety. This type of sedation is administered through a mask placed over your nose during your procedure. You will be instructed to breathe normally through your nose and you should begin feeling its effects within minutes. You will feel relaxed but not unconscious allowing you to continue communicating with the dentist and team.
Nitrous oxide is very effective and safe, and many dentists use it to help sedate children. The effects of the gas wear off minutes after the mask has been removed. There are rarely any side effects, and when you are finished with your appointment, you will be able to drive yourself home and resume your normal activities.
If the thought of sitting in the dental chair has you feeling apprehensive, be sure to talk to us at Oasis Family Dental during your next dental appointment in McAllen, Texas. Call 956-661-1000 today to schedule your next appointment. We look forward to providing you with the quality dental care you and your family deserve!