You may consider yourself to be a positive, spirited and outgoing person who fears little in life and is willing to take on any challenge. Yet, when somebody mentions the dentist, everything changes. This type of trepidation may be linked to a challenging experience in childhood, but nevertheless it may be holding you back when it comes to all-important dental care. However, a specific technique may help you cross that bridge and make it easier for you to visit the surgery. What should you consider?
N2O
Many patients in your situation choose to receive some inhalation sedation just prior to any procedure. This type of process involves the supply of nitrous oxide gas in carefully controlled doses to make you feel more relaxed and even somewhat euphoric. The dental assistant will administer the procedure, which is perfectly safe, doesn't smell of anything in particular and will not irritate you.
The amount of gas that you will receive is regulated by the machine itself as well as the dentist and involves a safe mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen. Patients report that it gives them a warm or tingling feeling.
How Does It Work?
In order to administer the gas, a nasal hood is placed over the mouth and nose and is attached via a tube to the machine. You will simply breathe normally. The hood has a way to deliver the mixture and to exhaust the gases that you breathe. Typically, this mask has a specific scent of strawberry or mint, so that you cannot detect any smell of plastic or rubber.
The Control Factor
When this is being administered, the dentist will always ask how you feel. You are in control and able to tell if you need more sedation or less. This makes this type of procedure very different to an intravenous injection, as this process can be regulated either way. When you feel fully comfortable, the dentist can proceed with any work that is needed, and you won't feel anxious about what is going on at all.
All Cleared Up
As soon as the gas mask is removed and the procedure is over, the effects start to disappear, and you will be left with no "hangover" feeling at all. In fact, it will be perfectly okay for you to drive home from the dentist's office.
It's Your Turn Next
If you know that you need to get work done but have been putting it off as long as possible, see if your dentist can help you by administering inhalation sedation first.
