Nitrous Oxide Sedation
If going to the dentist is uncomfortable or frightening for you, we’re happy to offer nitrous oxide sedation at all of our dental practices in San Diego. No matter your comfort level, we want you to feel safe and secure when you come and see us. Whether you’re here for a more in-depth treatment or a routine checkup, we can provide nitrous oxide to make your visit more comfortable. Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a safe, non-invasive way to help you relax during your treatment without putting you to sleep. If you think you might benefit from nitrous oxide sedation, feel free to give us a call or talk with one of our dentists to learn more.
Best Candidates
Nitrous oxide sedation is an excellent option for any child or adult who has a difficult time at the dentist. Before use, we’ll go through your medical history and any current medications to make sure N2O is right for you. If you struggle to breathe through your nose or you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, N2O may not be a good fit for you. At Dental Express, we use nitrous oxide sedation to ease any fears you may have about visiting the dentist. We also pair it with local anesthesia to make treatments more comfortable and pain-free
What to Expect
Before your treatment, we’ll place a nasal hood over your nose and administer the nitrous oxide. As you breathe in and out, you’ll start to feel calm and relaxed. Your dentist will monitor how you respond to the sedation throughout the treatment, keeping a close eye on your vitals, and adjusting the levels as needed to keep you as comfortable as possible. You may experience some tingling in your arms and legs, warmth throughout your body, and even euphoria. Depending on the treatment you’re receiving, we may use nitrous oxide in combination with a local anesthetic like lidocaine. Once we’ve finished with your treatment, we’ll turn the gas off, and the effects will dissipate almost immediately.
Recovery
As soon as we turn off the flow of gas, the effects will go away fairly quickly. Within three to five minutes, you should feel back to normal and ready to take on the rest of the day. Barring any rare side effects, you should be able to drive home perfectly safe. Uncommon side effects can include headaches, chills, sweating, nausea, vomiting, or fatigue. If you experience any of these issues for more than a couple of days after your treatment, please give us a call right away. To decrease the risk of nausea, our dentists suggest having a light meal or snack before your treatment and avoiding heavy meals for about three hours afterward.
Insurance Coverage
If you decide nitrous oxide sedation is for you, one of our treatment planners will meet with you to discuss your insurance policy and the best way to apply your benefits. If you don’t have dental insurance, don’t worry. Dental Express takes several forms of payment, including medical financing. We’re committed to helping you build your ideal smile at the most affordable price.
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
If you have a hard time making your regular appointments due to anxiety or fear of the dentist, please don’t hesitate to give us a call and ask how nitrous oxide sedation can help. If you’re comfortable with an in-person consultation, we’d be happy to address any questions or concerns you may have and put your mind at ease. At Dental Express, we meet you where you are and work as a team to give you quality, affordable, and comfortable dental care.
