Sedation Dentistry If you suffer from dental anxiety, then sedation dentistry, or sleep dentistry could be the solution. If you get nervous at the thought of visiting the dentist like a lot of other people do, one solution is Nitrous oxide (N20), or more commonly called happy gas or laughing gas. Sedation dentistry relieves anxiety during dental procedures and relaxes your body and mind. Although it is not a powerful painkiller, it will make your dental treatments more comfortable. Nitrous oxide was first used for dental treatment under sedation in 1844. Dr. Horace Wells was a Connecticut dentist who decided to take some while having a tooth taken out. It remains today as the common method for relaxation during dental procedures and is also used in general anaesthesia. Clear Dental Group promotes positive dental health and offers sleep dentistry in Sydney, to allow every one of our patients to achieve healthy smiles for life, without the stress and anxiety that often comes with a visit to the dentist. For this reason, Clear Dental Group offers sleep dentistry procedures performed by professional practitioners. About Nitrous Oxide and Sedation Dentistry Sydney Nitrous oxide is a colourless gas with a slightly metallic taste and odour. The process for sedation dentistry involves the patient inhaling 100% oxygen through a mask, and over a few minutes the oxygen is mixed with nitrogen oxide. Your dentist will adjust the mixture of nitrous oxide to suit your levels of your comfort. Inhalation Sedation Involves breathing in Oxygen and Nitrous Oxide Lowers pain sensitivity and gives you a pleasant level of sedation Patients remain conscious and able to co-operate during procedures The effects wear off very quickly after treatment There are normally zero after effects Effects of Nitrous Oxide When used for conscious sedation, nitrous oxide might have one or more of the following effects: Relaxed feeling in your body Warm feeling throughout your body Pleasantfeeling Light-headedness Laughing or extreme happiness You might also feel: Tingling in your mouth, hands and feet Numbness in your mouth, hands and feet Heaviness or lightness in your body Changes in the way you hear sounds Sleepiness Nausea In rare cases, anxiety can occur To help patients feel at ease, we offer sedation dentistry services. Sedation involves the use of Nitrous oxide to put a patient into a calm, restful state while remaining conscious. Although Nitrous oxide relaxes you and may make you feel sleepy, it does not put you to sleep. After the Procedure Although side-effects are uncommon, they may include headache, nausea or vomiting. While you are receiving nitrous oxide, advising your sedation dentist if you have any discomfort or anxiety will allow them to turn off the nitrous and allow you to breathe pure oxygen, flushing the nitrous from your system. After the nitrous oxide stops, your gross motor skills and your attention span can be affected for up to20 minutes. Can everyone use Nitrous Oxide for Sleep Dentistry? Nitrous Oxide can be used by most people, however there are certain medical conditions and other factors that may need to be taken into consideration. Breathing Problems – People with breathing problems or a blocked nose cannot receive Nitrous oxide. Because the gas goes into your lungs through your nose, these must both be clear. Lung Conditions – Nitrous oxide isn’t recommended for anyone who has bronchitis, emphysema or a severe case of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Pregnancy – Use of any drug, including nitrous oxide, when pregnant should happen only after your dentist speaks with your obstetrician. Children – Nitrous oxide is safe for children, however they must be able to cope with a mask being placed over their face, or the nose piece being inserted. They must also be able to breathe through their nose and follow the dentist’s instructions. Medications – It is important to tell your dentist about any other medications you may be taking, including over the counter medications and supplements. If you take medicine for psychiatric conditions, talk to your doctor and dentist before receiving sedatives. Other conditions – If you have any other concerns, get your dentist to speak to your GP before giving you nitrous oxide, particularly if you have any of the below: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease Congestive heart failure Sickle cell disease Ear infection Recent head injury Recent surgery to repair an eardrum Recent eye surgery How much does sleep dentistry cost? For dental sedation cost estimates, contact Clear Dental for the best sleep dentistry in Sydney.
