
Laughing gas
is also called nitrous oxide. Although it can be used to
completely put a patient to sleep, it's usually used in small
amounts and mixed with oxygen to relax patients during dental
procedures. It reduces the fear and anxiety of a dental visit
and often allows a dentist to work on a patient longer than without
this effect.
Because
laughing gas does not numb teeth, it must be used in combination
with routine dental anaesthesia to treat dental patients. However,
after being placed on it for a few minutes, many dental patients
don't feel dental injections. Disposable masks are available.
Many dentists give these masks to their patients to bring home
so that their patients will know that no one else has ever used
their masks.
Laughing gas goes into the body though the lungs and is also eliminated via the lungs. It must be combined with oxygen to prevent patients from going completely out or dying from lack of oxygen. Most monitors will shut off to prevent major problems from happening if the oxygen runs out. Most dentists provide oxygen to their patients for three to five minutes at the end of the dental appointment to assist the removal of the nitrous oxide from the patient's body.
The dentists at the Atlanta Dental Group PC are dedicated to their patients' good health and well being. You are welcome to join our family of patients. If you are interested in using laughing gas to make your dental visits more pleasant and would like to consult with a dentist, please call and make an appointment at 404-874-7428.