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Is your fear of the dentist keeping you from getting the treatment you need?
You're not alone.
About 36% of the population experiences some sort of dental anxiety.
But that doesn't mean that you should let your fear take over. There are plenty of ways you can manage your anxiety, from simple breathing exercises to sedation options.
One common sedative a lot of dentists use and recommend is laughing gas. It's mild, very effective, and has virtually no side effects.
Here's what you can expect before, during, and after using laughing gas.
Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is a mild sedative used to help patients relax during certain dental procedures. It doesn't have to be a complex treatment, either. If you are extremely anxious about your visit, you can use laughing gas for something as simple as a routine dental cleaning.
The gas will be combined with oxygen, and you will inhale it through a mask. It only takes a few minutes to start experiencing a sense of calm and relaxation. Some patients even get a bit giggly, hence the name. But you will be awake and conscious during the entire time.
The effects of the gas will start wearing off almost immediately after you stop inhaling it. Your Jackson sedation dentist will give you pure oxygen to inhale to make sure you eliminate any trace of the gas from your system.
Some patients can experience some mild side effects. Don't worry, they will disappear once the gas is out of your system. These side effects can include:
Laughing gas does not affect your motor skills, and that includes your ability to drive.
The body processes laughing gas very quickly compared to other types of sedation. As a result, you can return to your normal activities as soon as the gas leaves the body, which happens in a matter of minutes. So, you can drive yourself back home or back to work after the procedure.
If you experience some side effects, you should make sure first that you are well enough to drive. If you're not very confident in your abilities, then it would be better to call a friend or family member to be on the safe side.
Sedation can be a tricky topic as there are lots of myths about it. But, with the right information at hand, you can make an educated decision.
If you have any questions about sedation, the dentists at Jackson Family Dentistry are happy to provide you with all the answers.
We know dental treatments can be a bit intimidating, so we will try our best to make your experience as nice and relaxed as possible.
Get in touch with us to schedule an appointment with one of our dentists.