People who tend to be fearful or even conscious at the thought of seeing the dentist may have come across nitrous oxide or commonly known as laughing gas. They may have heard about its potential in making people look forward to their future visits despite their previous negative impression but did not avail of the sedation due to uncertainties.
With that being said, we at Washington Center for Cosmetic Dentistry want everyone who is usually hesitant of undergoing treatments and procedures know more about laughing gas. To do so, we prepared facts about the sedation option that can make them consider its use. But before anything else, what is a laughing gas?
Laughing gas is a type of sedation option, that is as its name suggests is a form of gas administered through a mask placed over the nose of the patient. The nitrous oxide gas is mixed in with oxygen to make safe dosages that can be adjusted when needed. Throughout the procedure, the patient would be breathing in the sedative. Doing so makes them feel at ease while staying fully conscious and responsive to the instructions from the dentist.
When the scheduled procedure is finished, the mask will be simply removed to let the patient breath in normal air. After a few minutes, the effects of the sedation will wear off. The patient may even be able to continue their day after a dental appointment.
Facts About Laughing Gas
- The gas was discovered by an English scientist named Joseph Priestley in the year 1772. But it was not until the year of 1844 when its capability in the medical field was acknowledged.
- It was in 1960 when the gas became a mainstay in dentistry. Since then, it has been commonly used.
- The gas is even used in the food industry! It is responsible for making the fluffy texture of whipped cream.
- Believe it or not, as important as laughing gas in modern dentistry, it was just used before for entertainment purposes.
- Laughing gas is safe to use. Mothers can even use it during labor and childbirth!
- The term laughing gas was coined due to the euphoric effects it gives to patients.
- Patients who are afraid of needles are in luck with nitrous oxide since it is delivered through a mask.
Ready to undergo comfortable and painless dental procedures with us at Washington Center for Cosmetic Dentistry? Call or visit us for your inquiries about our Laughing Gas service in Washington, DC or other sedation dentistry options!