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Is Nitrous Oxide Safe?
An estimated four out of five Americans have some form of dental anxiety. However, you shouldn’t let worries over visiting the dentist keep you from showing up for your appointment.
At the dental practice of Dr. Padmaja Yalamanchili in Fairfax, Virginia, nitrous oxide is used both for adult patients who feel nervous in the dental chair or who are coming in for emergency dentistry, and for our pediatric dental patients who can feel scared about going to the dentist for a procedure.
The composition of nitrous oxide
Nitrous oxide is a colorless gas that has the effect of making you feel carefree and relaxed. When mixed with oxygen, it has a slightly sweet smell. Dr. Yalamanchili provides nitrous oxide to help you or your child get through your dental appointment without fear.
Taking nitrous oxide is easy, You’ll sit in the dental chair and wear a small mask over your nose. Dr. Yalamanchili will start the flow of oxygen mixed with nitrous oxide, and you’ll inhale through your nose.
You’ll feel relaxed and unafraid almost right away, and might even feel so good you want to giggle a little, that’s why nitrous oxide is also known as laughing gas. Best of all, it wears off just as fast, so when you take off the mask, you'll be yourself in just a short period of time.
Nitrous oxide’s track record for safety
Nitrous oxide has been used for more than 150 years and is still extremely popular among dentists who want to provide a fast acting, fast recovery antianxiety option. In fact, nitrous is considered one of the safest sedation options available.
Rarely, a patient won’t react well to the inhaled nitrous oxide, but symptoms are usually not severe. At worst, you might have some of the following side effects:
- A headache
- Mild to moderate nausea or vomiting
- Sweating and/or shivering
- Feeling fatigued
The best way to avoid side effects or reduce symptoms is to make sure you don’t eat for three hours before and three hours after your dental appointment. If you drive yourself, Dr. Yalamanchili will give you some pure oxygen for a few minutes after your procedure, and then have you sit and recover for a little while before you leave our office.
If you or your child suffer from dental anxiety, and you would like to try nitrous oxide for the next visit, call Dr. Yalamanchili at our office at 703-213-5312 or book your appointment online today.
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