Both dentists and doctors use nitrous oxide as an anesthetic because it offers them and their patients many benefits. The gas, known commonly as laughing gas, has been in use since 1844 and continues to be used safely today. The following benefits makes nitrous oxide useful in dentistry.

Reduces Anxiety

Perhaps the greatest benefit is that it helps patients relax without putting them to sleep. Patients remain conscious during the procedure and even have the ability to communicate with the dentist. However, many patients have little or no memory of what happened during the procedure. This allows the dentist to perform a procedure in less time, and it also allows the patient avoid discomfort during the procedure. The gas also gives patients a happy feeling that helps them relax even more.

Increases Pain Threshold

Nitrous oxide increases a patient’s threshold for pain. While it is only good for mild pain control, the gas often provides enough relief for noninvasive procedures. This helps reduce the need for dentists to provide local anesthesia. Some patients who have difficulty getting numb using local anesthetics benefit greatly from this property. 

Fewer Side Effects

Nitrous oxide offers many advantages over general anesthesia. Patients do not have to fast before using nitrous oxide. The effects of the gas also wear off quickly. In fact, patients normally drive themselves home safely when their procedure is completed. In addition, the effects of nitrous oxide can be quickly reversed by stopping the gas and administering oxygen to the patient.

Reduces Reaction to Treatment

For patients that have a strong gag reflex or other involuntary reactions to dental treatment, nitrous oxide can help. It also helps increase a patient’s pain tolerance and allows for longer appointments. These benefits allow patients to have dental procedures they otherwise may not be able to. It also allows the dentist to work with less fear of causing the patient discomfort.

Helps Patients Get Needed Dental Care

Many people have a fear of going to the dentist. Some people may have a fear that is so deep that they may live with discomfort or pain caused by dental problems just to avoid visiting the dentist. Nitrous oxide offers a solution. Because of the benefits listed above, people should not fear having dental issues resolved. Nitrous oxide can help them get dental work with less pain and discomfort they may associate with the dentist.

Flexibility

Nitrous oxide acts quickly, often in two to three minutes. It also allows the dentist control over how sedated a patient becomes. All that is required is for an adjustment to be made to the nitrous oxide and oxygen mixture the patient is being given to make them more or less sedated.

These benefits make nitrous oxide useful in many situations for dentists and their patients. This is especially true for patients who have a fear of the dentist. These benefits combined with nitrous oxide’s long-term safety record and relative lack of side effects make it a great tool for both dentists and patients alike.

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