Is Nitrous Oxide Safe? What You Should Know

What is Nitrous Oxide?

Nitrous oxide is a colourless and virtually odourless gas with a faint, sweet smell. It is an effective analgesic/anxiolytic agent causing central nervous system depression and euphoria with little effect on the respiratory system.

How is Nitrous Oxide used in Dentistry!

Nitrous oxide (N2O), more commonly referred to as laughing gas, is a mild sedative agent that safely and effectively manages pain and anxiety during dental treatment. The colourless and odourless nitrous oxide is mixed with oxygen and inhaled through a small mask that fits over your nose. Patients are asked to breathe normally and should feel the effects of the laughing gas within minutes.

Contrary to its name, laughing gas does not necessarily make you laugh. The nitrous oxide slows down your nervous system to make you feel less inhibited. You may feel light-headed, tingly, or even heaviness in your arms or legs. Ultimately, you should be calm and comfortable throughout the procedure.

 The objectives of nitrous oxide/oxygen inhalation include:-

·         Decreases or reduces anxiety

·         Decreases unnecessary movements and reactions towards dental treatment

·         Patient cooperation and communications becomes better

·         Threshold reaction of pain becomes better

·         Increases tolerance for longer appointments

·         Assist in the care of patients who are medically compromised or mentally or physically disabled

·         Gagging is reduced

·         Increases the sedative's potency.

Indications

·         A patient who is very fearful, anxious, or obstreperous

·         Certain patients with special health care needs

·         A patient whose has severe  gag reflex which interferes with dental care

·         A cooperative child who becomes attention deficient due to the lengthy dental procedure.

Contraindications

·         Chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases

·         Severe emotional disturbances or drug-related dependencies.

·         First trimester of pregnancy.

·         Treatment with bleomycin sulphate.

·         Deficiency of Methylenetetrahydofolate reductase

·         Before giving analgesic/anxiolytic medications to patients with serious underlying medical conditions (such as acute otitis media, recent tympanic membrane graft, sickle cell disease, severe obstructive pulmonary disease, congestive heart failure, or acute severe head injury), the appropriate medical specialists should be consulted whenever possible.

Advantages

·         Administered easily

·         Rapid onset of action

·         N2O has bland, pleasant, non-irritating order

·         Rapid uptake and elimination of N2O

·         Faster recovery

·         Titration is possible

·         There is a wide margin of safety

·         There is cardio-respiratory stability

·         Nausea and vomiting are not commonly seen

·         Reflex integrity is sustained

·         Patient preparation is usually not required

·         No need for any escort.

 

Disadvantage

·         Expensive equipment

·         The patient needs to be able to breathe via their nose.

·         Interference between the anterior maxillary injection site and the nasal hood.

 

At Teeth Care Centre, we provide the most safest and convenient form of dental sedation, the world’s no.1 Matrx brand of nitrous oxide as conscious sedation in Ahmedabad. Sedation through nitrous oxide has no side effects and it’s safe for both children and adults. This form of conscious sedation relieves them of all the fear and apprehension. Our dentist in satellite, Dr Pankti Patel is highly trained and certified to perform conscious sedation; so that you can be assured that you are in safe hands.

With conscious sedation in Ahmedabad, we strive to render a painless and anxiety free treatment experience for you.