Comfort for Anxious Patients

As comfortable as we try to make our patients there are always those that just fear the dental chair. It could be the needles, the drills, the noises or the lollipop when you're done. If you're one of our patients that just dreads coming in, we may have a solution for you.

Have you ever wished there was a way you could just close your eyes and have it be over?

There may be a solution for you!

What is Nitrous Oxide?

Nitrous Oxide - better known as laughing gas - is an effective relaxant that is widely utilized in dentistry.

The gas is administered through a mask placed over the nose of the patient. After 30 seconds to 5 minutes of breathing the patient begins to feel a pleasant level of sedation. In some patients the cheeks and gums will begin to feel numb.

After the gas has been adjusted to the appropriate dose and the patient's anxiety is controlled, we can proceed with treatment.

After treatment is completed the patient is given pure oxygen to breath for a short time. During this time the effects of sedation are usually reversed. Unlike IV or general anesthesia the patient can almost always leave the office by themselves.

Nitrous oxide is great for patients who:

• Have avoided dental treatment due to nervousness or fear
• Have difficulty getting numb through "Freezing"
• Have extremely sensitive teeth

If anxiety has been keeping you from visiting us, please be sure to ask Dr. Hahn about nitrous oxide. We will help you decide if this is something that would be good for you to try.