Would you rather live with a toothache than go to the dentist? Dental anxiety can be crippling for some people, preventing them from getting the care they need to maintain their oral health. This can even be worse for young children who do not have the maturity to understand the seriousness of getting any medical treatment, be it dental or a vaccine shot. Whether it’s adults or children, dental care cannot be delayed because of fear. But did you know you can make dental visits comfortable and less stressful with dental inhalation sedation? You can finally take your kid to get their cavity or teeth cleaned without worrying. Read on to find out more about happy gas or inhalation sedation and how it can help make dental visits more comfortable for you or your children.
What is Inhalation Sedation?
Inhalation or nitrous oxide sedation, also called laughing gas, is a type of conscious sedation used in medical and dental settings to help patients relax and reduce anxiety during procedures. It involves administering a gas mixture containing nitrous oxide and oxygen through a mask or nasal hood. The gas is absorbed through the lungs and enters the bloodstream, eventually reaching the brain. Nitrous oxide, the primary component of the gas mixture, produces a calming and euphoric effect, allowing the patient to experience deep relaxation while remaining fully conscious and responsive. The level of sedation can be easily adjusted to suit your needs, ensuring a more relaxing experience.
Who is a Suitable Candidate for Inhalation Sedation?
Inhalation sedation is a safe and widely used method of conscious sedation. It is generally suitable for a wide range of patients, including both adults and children, who may benefit from reduced anxiety and discomfort during medical or dental procedures.
Some of the reasons you may need inhalation sedation include:
- Dental anxiety or phobia
- Gag reflex management
- Reduced pain perception (for patients sensitive to pain to make the procedure more comfortable)
- Children or paediatric patients
- Patients with special needs
- Shorter dental procedures
It’s important to note that while inhalation sedation is generally safe, there may be specific contraindications for certain people. Patients with certain respiratory conditions, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), severe claustrophobia, or those who are pregnant may not be suitable candidates for nitrous oxide sedation. A thorough assessment of your medical history and health status is essential to determine if inhalation sedation is right for you.
Nitrous oxide does not cause any long-term effects and generally wears off within 2-10mins minutes after the procedure. The mixture of oxygen and gas helps clear the remaining gas from your body, helping clear any headaches or disorientation. Your dentist may advise you or your child to have a light meal 2 hours before the procedure to prevent nausea and vomiting, with no meals after for a couple of hours.
There may be a risk of some side effects if you receive too much gas or inhale it too fast, including dizziness, nausea, or vomiting. These are usually rare when the happy gas is administered at the correct levels according to the patient’s requirements and age by a trained professional.
Benefits of Inhalation Sedation
Some of the main advantages of inhalation sedation include:
Anxiety and Fear Reduction
One of the primary benefits of inhalation sedation is its ability to reduce anxiety and fear associated with dental procedures. The calming and euphoric effects of nitrous oxide help you or your child feel more relaxed and at ease, making it easier to undergo treatments.
Rapid Onset and Recovery
Inhalation sedation takes effect quickly within minutes after inhalation. The effects also wear off rapidly once the gas supply is stopped, allowing patients to recover quickly without any lingering sedative effects. This means patients can resume their normal activities shortly after the procedure.
Conscious Sedation
Inhalation sedation is a form of conscious sedation, which means patients remain awake and lucid throughout the procedure. They can respond to instructions from the dentist, making it more comfortable for the patient and easier for the dentist to complete the work efficiently.
Adjustable Sedation Levels
Dentists can easily adjust the level of sedation based on your needs and comfort level. This flexibility allows for personalised sedation, ensuring you get the right level of relaxation for your procedure.
Suitable for All Ages
Inhalation sedation is commonly used for children but is suitable for adults as well. This makes it a popular sedation option for shorter procedures, especially for children’s fillings, dental cleanings, fissure sealants, pulpotomy (baby root canal), and extractions.
No Need for Needles
Unlike some other forms of sedation, inhalation sedation does not require any injections or needles. This feature can be comforting for patients who have a fear of needles.
Improved Patient Cooperation
Inhalation sedation can make patients, especially younger children who find it difficult to sit still, more cooperative during medical or dental procedures, leading to smoother treatments and better outcomes.
Minimal Side Effects
The side effects of inhalation sedation are generally mild and well-tolerated. Once the gas is stopped, any side effects, such as nausea or dizziness, typically subside quickly.
Enhances Overall Patient Experience
By reducing anxiety and discomfort, inhalation sedation can improve the overall patient experience during medical and dental procedures. It may encourage patients to seek necessary treatments and maintain better oral and overall health.
Is Inhalation Sedation Right for You or Your Child?
Encouraging good oral habits and a positive relationship with the dentist from a young age form the foundation of healthy teeth and gums for life. But each child is different, having their own unique personality and needs. While one may be excited to go to the dentist, the other may be fearful or anxious. Some may be able to sit patiently through treatments, but more exuberant or active kids may find it challenging to sit still.
Sedation options like happy gas allows parents, caregivers, and dentists to collaborate and plan the most optimal route for their child’s oral health journey. If your child finds dental visits difficult and feels fearful, inhalation sedation can help make their experience more relaxed. It may even help them overcome their anxiety to make future visits easier and form a positive relationship with their dentist. It also helps to choose a friendly dentist who can relate well with children.
Nitrous oxide is a widely used sedation option for both children and adults. It is considered a safe sedation option with minimal side effects, making it possible for patients with dental anxiety to easily sit through minor dental procedures. Talk to your dentist, addressing your concerns and questions, before making the final decision.
Making Quality Dental Care Easy for You and Your Children
At Boon Dental, we offer a range of sedation options, including happy gas, oral and IV sedation. With a gentle and caring team and an environment designed to put you at ease, we talk and listen to you, understanding your concerns to ensure your treatment is tailored to both your dental and emotional needs. Whether you’ve been putting off a dental visit because of a previous traumatic experience or are struggling to get your child to your dentist, we’re here to help. Talk to our dentists about sleep dentistry today.