LAUGHING
GAS

Does your heart race when you think about “going to the dentist”?

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How about when you lie down in our chair?

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What about fear, apprehension, or embarrassment?

 

If so, you are definitely in good company.

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Through sedation, we have helped hundreds of patients gain control of their fear – and we can help you too! Relax and gain a sense of well-being with laughing gas. It is one of the safest forms of sedation available. Nearly everyone can use this mild, fast-acting, non-allergenic gas.

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Laughing gas sedation is also called “conscious sedation,” because it does not make you sleep or block your memory. Instead, it will quickly relax you while we do our work. You will have full control, be awake, and you’ll have no difficulty responding to us.

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Administering laughing gas is easy and comfortable too! You’ll wear a light mask over your nose that provides the gas. You’ll notice the calming effect almost immediately. Patients have also reported feeling light-headed and euphoric. There may be tingling or a heaviness in your arms and legs. During your treatment, we’ll adjust the dosage to ensure your comfort.

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Why is it called laughing gas?

Well … some people get a case of the giggles when they begin feeling the effects of the gas. Not to worry, we’ll smile along with you!

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Is your child anxious about their dental visit? The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recognizes laughing gas as a safe and effective technique for minimizing children’s anxiety, helping to provide a pleasant experience while minimizing stress. Our professional team is trained to compassionately address the needs of fearful children and will stay at your child’s side at all times to support them and monitor their progress.

 

How long does inhaled sedation last?

As long as you’re wearing the mask. Just before your appointment is finished, we will decrease the amount of gas and increase the amount of oxygen. You’ll be “back to normal” before you leave our chair.

If your dental appointments make you fearful, please take care of yourself by calling us at Innova Progressive Dental Care at (604) 260-0115. As your dentist in Surrey, we’ll welcome your questions about sedation that will provide you with the comfort you need to get the dental care you want.

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Interesting Facts About Laughing Gas (N2O)

• Identified or “discovered” in 1772, by the English chemist Joseph Priestley.

• Was used to entertain the public for years.

• Eventually, in 1884, it was recognized by a dentist for its analgesic effects, and news of the effective use of it spread throughout the dental profession.

• Also known as dinitrogen monoxide. You’ll likely hear us calling it laughing gas most often as it’s what most of our patients recognize.

• A colorless gas, it has an agreeable quite faint odor and sweet taste.

• When administered in the dental capacity to alleviate pain and anxiety, it’s always mixed with at least 30% oxygen.

• Across the board, it takes about three or four minutes for it to take effect.

• About one-third of patients experience numbness in their cheeks and/or gums.

• Administered through a small “hood” that is placed over your nose. As you lie back and relax, all you do is breathe it in.

• When a dental patient breathes it in, their sensibility to pain is reduced.

• Some patients may experience euphoria.

• Some people react with mild excitement. Some patients giggle or laugh.

• For most people, inhaled sedation makes them feel relaxed and calm.

• Not to worry… it doesn’t make you do or say anything that you wouldn’t normally want to do or say. Despite rumors, your secrets are safe!

• The effects are brief.

• The effects are 100% reversed even before you leave the dental chair. This is done by slowly increasing the amount of oxygen in the mixture.

• You can drive yourself home from treatment when you’ve had it administered.

• You will not experience a “hangover effect.”

• It’s safe for all patients, including children.

• It’s been successfully used to alleviate dental anxiety and fears for more than 150 years.

• It’s the most widely used gaseous anesthetic in the world.

• Even though many other medicines have been introduced since 1884, laughing gas’ advantages outweigh many of them.

• If you’re fearful of getting the dental treatment you need and want, inhaled sedation may be exactly what you need to relieve your anxiety.

 

At Innova Progressive Dental Care, sedation is just one way we help our patients relax so they can get the all-important care they need.

 

If you’re in any way nervous about meeting our dentist in Surrey, please let us know when you book your appointment. We’ll ensure that we tailor your visit to meet all of your needs – including any dental anxiety you may be experiencing.

 

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