Nitrous Oxide

About 36% of people in the United States have a fear of dental procedures. At Drs. Boyd P.C. in the Midtown East neighborhood of Manhattan in New York City, restorative and implant dentists make your dental experience calm, friendly, and relaxing. They offer nitrous oxide sedation to ease anxiety whenever necessary. Schedule an appointment by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today. 

What is nitrous oxide?

Nitrous oxide, commonly called laughing gas, is a form of mild sedation that helps decrease dental anxiety during hygiene visits and dental treatments. It helps relax you, making each dental experience enjoyable and comfortable. 

Nitrous oxide is the most common form of dental sedation. You remain conscious but stress-free without worrying about lingering side effects. 

What are the benefits of nitrous oxide?

The advantages to expect when choosing nitrous oxide at Drs. Boyd P.C. include:

• Calmness
• Relaxation
• No pain
• Utmost safety
• No downtime is needed afterward
• Ability to drive yourself home 

Receiving nitrous oxide is a simple solution for dental anxiety for many patients. It might make you more likely to attend essential dental visits, improving your overall oral health. 

Is nitrous oxide right for me?

You may choose nitrous oxide if you’re having a deep dental cleaning or minor procedure, such as tooth extraction or the placement of fillings, inlays, onlays, veneers, crowns, bridges, or dental implants. The Drs. Boyd P.C. team discusses all options with you to find the one you're most comfortable with.

What should I expect when receiving nitrous oxide?

During nitrous oxide sedation, simply breathe in nitrous oxide gas (mild vapor) through a mask you wear around your nose. You soon feel relaxed but remain conscious, so you can easily communicate with your dental provider during treatment. You might feel happy, giggly, lightheaded, or heavy because of nitrous oxide. 

Your dentist adjusts the amount of laughing gas you breathe in to ensure the most effective dosage, keeping you relaxed.

Nitrous oxide is a sedative only, so it doesn’t affect pain. However, your provider uses local anesthesia to numb treatment areas during procedures that may otherwise cause discomfort. You won’t feel pain during dental treatments at Drs. Boyd P.C.

What happens after sedation with nitrous oxide?

Soon after your dental cleaning or procedure, the effects of nitrous oxide wear off. The sedative typically leaves your system within 5 minutes. That means you don’t have to depend on someone else to drive you home after your appointment. 

You can resume typical daily activities without any downtime, though potential temporary side effects of nitrous oxide may include headaches, agitation, or nausea.

Schedule a dental evaluation at Drs. Boyd P.C. by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today to learn more about nitrous oxide and determine if it’s right for you.