At the office of Kenneth R. Russell DDS, we understand that some people get nervous about dental procedures such as fillings. If you are anxious about a procedure, then we will do all we can to make you comfortable and set your mind at ease.
One thing we can do to help you remain calm during your appointment is provide nitrous oxide, which will help you relax. We have put together this article to explain what to expect from your experience with nitrous oxide.
Before your dentist starts you on nitrous oxide, they will discuss the procedure with you and answer any questions you may have. When you are ready to begin, the dentist will then recline your chair and place a small mask over your nose to supply the gas. As you breathe in, the gas will take effect quickly, and you should soon feel a sense of calm and relaxation set in. You will remain conscious throughout the procedure and will be able to respond to questions, but any anxiety you may have felt will be greatly diminished.
Nitrous oxide works by slowing down the brain’s responses to external stimuli. In high doses, it can produce feelings of euphoria, which is why this gas is also known as laughing gas. However, dentists today use lower doses of the gas to create a feeling of calm that does not give their patients a case of the giggles. In addition, the mask providing you with a flow of nitrous oxide is providing oxygen as well, so you can continue to breathe normally throughout the procedure.