Anxiety-Free Dentistry

Dental fear and anxiety are common issues that many people of all ages can experience. Even though it isn’t abnormal, it can be problematic if it prevents you from getting the treatment you need. At ActOn Dentistry, we want every patient to feel comfortable and at ease to maintain proper oral health. That’s why we offer nitrous and laughing gas for patients who may need a little extra help during certain procedures. When mixed with oxygen and inhaled, this treatment can help patients feel calm and relaxed.

Understanding Anxiety-Free Dentistry 

Nitrous oxide gas, or laughing gas, is used in many family dentistry settings as a sedative agent. Nitrous oxide is a safe way to relax the body, but it does not put you to sleep. Instead, it helps you feel calm and relaxed during dental procedures so the dentist can work easily and more efficiently to complete your treatment. To ensure the gas is mixed with oxygen, the dentist will place a small mask that fits over your nose, allowing you to breathe freely.

Once the nitrous and laughing gas process begin, dental anxiety will no longer be an issue. However, you will still be able to hear and respond to your dentist and can still move your arms and legs as needed. The effects of laughing gas are short-lived, and most patients feel back to normal before leaving the office.

Nitrous and Laughing Gas

Dental fear and anxiety are common issues that many people of all ages can experience. Even though it isn’t abnormal, it can be problematic if it prevents you from getting the treatment you need. At ActOn Dentistry, we want every patient to feel comfortable and at ease to maintain proper oral health. That’s why we offer nitrous and laughing gas for patients who may need a little extra help during certain procedures. When mixed with oxygen and inhaled, this treatment can help patients feel calm and relaxed.

Understanding Nitrous and Laughing Gas

Nitrous oxide gas, or laughing gas, is used in many family dentistry settings as a sedative agent. Nitrous oxide is a safe way to relax the body, but it does not put you to sleep. Instead, it helps you feel calm and relaxed during dental procedures so the dentist can work easily and more efficiently to complete your treatment. To ensure the gas is mixed with oxygen, the dentist will place a small mask that fits over your nose, allowing you to breathe freely.

Once the nitrous and laughing gas process begin, dental anxiety will no longer be an issue. However, you will still be able to hear and respond to your dentist and can still move your arms and legs as needed. The effects of laughing gas are short-lived, and most patients feel back to normal before leaving the office.

When Are Nitrous and Laughing Gas Used in Dentistry?

If you need invasive dental work and have reservations about tolerating the procedure, nitrous oxide could be an excellent option for you. At ActOn Dentistry, we often recommend this approach for people who are apprehensive about:

  • Fillings
  • Crowns
  • Root Canals
  • Tooth extraction

It is also helpful when children need dental work that requires injections or drilling. The calming effects of laughing gas start as soon as it is inhaled through a small nose mask, allowing patients to receive the treatments they need to maintain and protect a healthy smile.

Anxiety-reducing Prescriptions

ActOn Dentistry offers prescriptions of Valium/Xanax to anxious patients on an as-needed basis.  These prescriptions can ease patients’ anxiety more than traditional laughing gas/nitrous oxide can.  Anxiety reducing prescriptions can be helpful during procedures such as extractions, root canals, and implants.

Get the Dental Care You Need at ActOn Dentistry

If you need dental care but are dealing with fear and anxiety about your treatment, nitrous and laughing gas could be your answer. At ActOn, we aim to help every patient feel comfortable, safe, and well cared for. Contact us today to schedule an appointment or learn more about how we can help you combat dental anxiety for better oral health.

Request an Appointment

If you are ready to schedule an appointment with Dr. Tinker or Dr. Slaven at ActOn Dentistry, please click the link below.

Dr. Tinker and Dr. Slaven