For some patients, a visit to the dentist’s office is nothing to worry about. But for others, the thought of sitting in the dentist chair is enough to spark anxiety. There are many relaxation techniques that can help relieve dental anxiety, such as deep breathing, and even distraction or humor. If these approaches aren’t enough to help you have a pleasant experience, you may be a good candidate for laughing gas, also called nitrous oxide.
Laughing gas has a favorable safety profile and a long track record of effectiveness. And while most people are indeed good candidates for nitrous oxide treatment, it’s always best to err on the side of caution. Before administering the gas, your dentist should know your full medical history. Disclose any pre-existing medical conditions (especially respiratory disease and vitamin B-12 deficiency), and explain which medications and supplements you’re taking. The dentist should also know whether you’re pregnant or could be pregnant. It’s safe to use nitrous oxide while breastfeeding.
Unlike general anesthesia, the use of nitrous oxide doesn’t have strict fasting requirements. However, some people may develop mild nausea afterward, so it’s best to avoid eating for a few hours before your appointment. As long as you don’t become nauseated, you’ll be able to eat as soon as you wish after your appointment.
One of the many perks of nitrous oxide is that it doesn’t require an injection, making it a great choice for patients who don’t like needles! You’ll relax comfortably in the dentist chair. The dentist will place a small mask over your nose and you’ll inhale the gas. Based on your feedback, the dentist can adjust the amount of laughing gas you’re receiving to ensure you stay comfortable and relaxed throughout your appointment. Once your treatment is over, it doesn’t take long for the gas to leave your system.
The dental office of Pearl Zadeh, DDS offers laughing gas to patients who experience dental anxiety and are good candidates for it based on their health history. To request an appointment with Dr. Pearl, you can call our dental office in Woodland Hills, CA at (818) 716-6722.
Please note, we are not a contracted dental provider. Our relationship is with you, not your dental insurance company. We advise you to be aware of your plan and its reimbursement schedule. We will do everything we can to provide you the maximum reimbursement possible. However, you are electing to get out of network services.
If you do not have insurance or if you have HMO but want to go outside of your network, you can pay in full via cash/credit or through financing via Credit Care.
Don’t hesitate to ask us something.