FOR ANXIOUS PATIENTS

Nitrous oxide sedation has been used for many years in the dental and medical professions. Nitrous oxide is also known as laughing gas, relative analgesia, RA and happy gas.

Nitrous oxide is simply a gas which you can breathe in. It has no colour, smell and doesn’t irritate. Nitrous oxide kills pain (not all pain!) and it induces a pleasurable feeling. After 5 minutes or so of breathing in the gas, you should feel a euphoric feeling spread throughout your body. It really kind of feels like a ‘happy drunk’ feeling. Some people find that there are auditory or visual effects as well. You will feel a bit light headed and often people get ‘the giggles’ (hence the name laughing gas!).

Oral Sedation is slightly stronger than Happy Gas and it’s aim is for you to feel comfortable and truly relaxed before and during your dental treatment. Oral Sedatives in the form of a tablet or liquid is usually taken an hour before your dental appointment.

If you and your dentist decide that this is the right choice to lessen your anxiety, it is necessary for you to have someone drive you home and stay with you until the sedative wears off.

Gentle care does not just mean pain free, it means listening, taking time, and addressing personal concerns and it starts the second you contact us. Everyone needs something different and if you need some extra time, space or advice we will always tailor your care to you and make the experience as positive as we can.

Our dentists are trained to discuss your phobias and fears in a comfortable and private environment. Understanding what it is about your dental visit that worries you the most will help us prepare you for any treatment ahead, as well as minimise the discomfort and the unexpected.  If you have any strategies that you have used in the past to help make your visits more pleasant, please let your dentist know as we would be more than happy to adopt them to improve your experience.