Nitrous Oxide Sedation

Many patients suffer from dental anxiety. As a result, they may avoid scheduling dental appointments and undergoing the treatments they need. To help his patients relax and remain comfortable, Dr. Danny O’Keefe offers nitrous oxide and other sedation dentistry options at his Flowood, MS, practice. This sedation treatment is effective and subsides quickly, allowing patients to drive themselves home following treatment.

Nitrous oxide ​is effective and subsides quickly, allowing patients to drive themselves home following treatment.

How it Works

Nitrous oxide is a gas that produces deep relaxation when inhaled, eliminating feelings of anxiety. Patients are administered nitrous oxide via a mask placed over the nose. Patients will remain alert to their surroundings, and able to follow instructions and answer questions.

Candidates

Nitrous oxide sedation is safe for almost all patients, including children and the elderly. There are certain patients for whom nitrous oxide sedation is not recommended. They include pregnant women in the first trimester, as well as patients with congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, middle ear infections, chronic asthma, and chronic bronchitis. On the day of your appointment, if you cannot breathe through your nose due to allergies or a cold, you will not be able to receive nitrous oxide sedation.

When is Nitrous Oxide Sedation Recommended?

Patients may request nitrous oxide sedation for a variety of procedures, ranging from a teeth cleaning to placement of cavity fillings, crowns, and dental implants.

The effects of nitrous oxide sedation are very temporary, and subside quickly after the mask is removed.

In short, if a patient feels anxious, nitrous oxide sedation may be recommended. Dr. O’Keefe can determine if nitrous oxide is right for you.

Benefits

Nitrous oxide sedation can play an important part in helping anxious patients feel comfortable undergoing the treatment they need. Since it is administered as a gas, patients who fear needles can easily undergo this form of sedation. Dr. O’Keefe can also quickly adjust the level of gas that you receive based on your needs. The effects of nitrous oxide sedation are very temporary, and subside quickly after the mask is removed. In fact, one unique benefit of using this type of sedation for a dental procedure is that you can drive yourself home afterwards.

Risks

During and after sedation, you may feel nauseous, dizzy, drowsy, or claustrophobic. These effects will subside quickly. Nitrous oxide sedation is extremely safe for almost all patients because it is non-allergenic. 

Call for an Appointment

Dental anxiety affects patients of all ages and from all walks of life. It is a very real and common condition that can unfortunately keep many patients from pursuing care they desperately need. If you have not established ongoing care with an excellent dentist, or if you are suffering from a painful oral health condition, do not let dental anxiety stand between you and the treatments essential to maintaining your health and your quality of life. Call our office today to schedule an appointment with Dr. O’Keefe to learn more about nitrous oxide sedation. Depending on your needs, he may recommend oral conscious sedation, a more intensive sedation treatment.