Don’t Worry About Your Dental Anxiety
Have you ever realized that you had a dental problem, but hesitated to make an appointment out of fear? Although you might feel like a baby, millions of Americans suffer from serious dental anxiety. In fact, research has shown that between 5% and 8% of Americans avoid the dentist out of fear. They end up letting decay run rampant inside of their mouths. Here at Sherman Oaks Dentistry, we offer laughing gas to help our patients relax.
What is Laughing Gas?
Laughing gas is a mix of nitrous oxide and regular oxygen. We give this mixture of gases to patients through a comfortable, non-invasive nose mask while the dentist works on your teeth. The gas is odorless and colorless. This makes it palatable for small children and adults alike.
As you breathe laughing gas, the nitrous oxide enters your bloodstream. Then itt passes through the blood-brain barrier and acts on several different types of receptors. This reaction has many positive effects, including muscle relaxation, anesthesia, and sedation. It starts by reducing pain and making it easier for you to relax. Nitrous oxide can also reduce the gagging mechanism, which might improve your dental treatment and keep you safe.
Why You Should Ask Your Dentist About Nitrous Oxide
Here are a few other reasons you should ask your dentist about nitrous oxide during your next dental appointment:
- It’s SafeLaughing gas is very safe when administered by a professional dentist. Side effects are rare, but they are mild and include headache or nausea.
- It’s EffectiveThere is a reason that patients who have used laughing gas before usually swear by the stuff. It is effective at helping you relax, which can help you calm your dental fears. Also, since laughing gas can have a sedative effect, some patients even fall asleep during their visit and awake to a healthier smile.
- It’s FreeDon’t worry about paying an arm and a leg for laughing gas. Here at Sherman Oaks Dental, we don’t charge for this powerful sedative. Any dental visit can use nitrous oxide to ease your dental fears.
- It Doesn’t Have Lasting Side EffectsUnlike other sedatives, which can cause symptoms like nausea and dizziness for hours after taking them, laughing gas has no long-lasting side effects. As soon as we cut the flow of the gas, you are free to drive home and enjoy the rest of your day.
Stop Putting Off Your Dental Visits!
Don’t take our word for it; come on in and enjoy a calmer, more enjoyable dental appointment with the help of nitrous oxide. If you need to have a dental problem resolved or it has been awhile since your last checkup, call our office at 630-473-3843.