Dental Sedation
Grand Junction, CO
 Many children and adults alike dread going to the dentist’s office, often missing appointments even. It is one of the major reasons that people don’t stick to a regular routine of visiting the dentist.
We don’t blame you. In all honesty, some dental work can hurt. Even with the dentist’s constant reassurances, the anxiety of sitting beneath the scary-looking tools and drills is too real.
Though for major, painful procedures such as root canals and tooth extraction, sedation methods are used, for minor procedures, dentists commonly use nitrous oxide, more commonly referred to as laughing gas, to calm your nerves.
Rest assured, you are in safe hands in Gregory J. Gorman, DMD. If the dental anxiety is setting in, we can let you have some of that laughing gas to make sure the procedure goes smoothly and comfortably.
What is Nitrous Oxide and What Does It Do
You might know Nitrous Oxide as Laughing gas, a colorless and odorless gas that is administered to patients through a tube and mask, as a local sedation. Though it is not enough to put you out entirely, it does help the patient relax and assuages their anxiety.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry has declared nitrous oxide to be completely safe and effective in reducing anxiety, producing analgesia, and establish better communication between the dentist and patient.
Thus, it is now widely used across the dental practice, on children and adults alike.
What Else Do you Need To Know About Nitrous Oxide
When first administered to you, the laughing gas can make your arms and legs feel a little tingly. You might also feel slightly light-headed. The feeling will eventually subside and leave you feeling calm and relaxed in its wake. Nitrous oxide takes effect almost immediately.
Another property that makes it safe is that it is reversible. When you stop pumping nitrous oxide to the patient, the sedation effect almost immediately starts wearing off. Most dentists give a few minutes of oxygen to clear out the gas from the lungs. You can safely drive home after the procedure.
Nitrous oxide is the mildest and most minimal sedation given in any procedure. For more major and painful procedures, laughing gas will not suffice, and something stronger will need to be provided to obtain the desired effect.
Side Effects of Nitrous Oxide
Though nitrous oxide, in a controlled amount, is proven to be entirely safe, it can have some unpleasant, minor side effects such as,
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Headaches
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Shivering
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Excessive sweating
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Nausea and/or vomiting
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Fatigue |
A few minutes of inhaling oxygen and eating a light meal after being given nitrous oxide can help you avoid the desired side effects and have you feeling on top of your game in no time.
If you have been putting off getting dental work done out of fear, come on down to Gregory J. Gorman, DMD. A few inhales of laughing gas can make you calm and ready for your necessary oral examination. Call us at (970) 812-3959 to book an appointment with a dentist.
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Hours
(970) 812-3959 
Dr. Gregory J. Gorman, DMD