If you’re anxious about visiting the dentist, you’re not alone. Research suggests one out of every five Americans possesses the same apprehension. We understand past experiences might have left you uncomfortable, yet if you avoid going to the dentist as a result, you’re placing yourself at greater risk for gum disease, oral cancer and a host of other problems that your dentist can spot at a periodic visit. One option that can help reduce that anxiety and make your visit a pleasant one is Nitrous Oxide.
Nitrous Oxide is a colorless and nearly odorless gas used in dentistry to reduce anxiety, pain and gagging during procedures. You may know it under its more common name – laughing gas. It is delivered via tubing connected to a small “mask” that is placed over your nose and offers varying degrees of sedation that range from mild tingling and euphoria to drowsiness.
You’ve likely heard of nitrous oxide before, and perhaps even benefited from it in the past if you’ve had your wisdom teeth removed … after all, it has been a fixture in dentistry since its discovery in 1772! Most people don’t realize, however, that it can be used for all types of procedures – even cleanings – given the degrees of flexible sedation it provides.
So, eliminate your fear of the dentist once and for all, and ask us about nitrous oxide treatment at your next visit.