Sedation Dentistry in Lake Katrine

What is laughing gas sedation?

Discovered in 1783 by an English scientist named Joseph Priestly, laughing gas has been safely and effectively used as anesthesia in medical and dental environments for more than a century and a half. Many people may be more familiar with the unofficial term, laughing gas. Laughing gas helps patients relax and remain comfortable throughout necessary dental and medical procedures. When used by a trained professional, laughing gas sedation is generally safe and effective for patients of all age groups, including children and the elderly.

Why laughing gas sedation?

If your Dentists Office of The Hudson Valley dentist chooses laughing gas sedation, most likely it will be to help you remain comfortable during an upcoming dental procedure. Laughing gas is administered to alleviate discomfort and reduce anxiety. The goal is keep you as relaxed as possible so that you can receive the timely dental care you need.

How laughing gas is administered for dental procedures.

Just prior to your procedure, our well-trained sedation experts will place a mask over your nose. You will then be asked to breathe normally while the appropriate dosage of laughing gas is administered. Within minutes, you may notice a feeling of giddiness or euphoria. This will be the laughing gas at work.

How laughing gas may affect you.

Although the laughing gas will relax you, you should remain conscious and able to think clearly and rationally. You should also be able to communicate freely at all times with your Dentists Office of The Hudson Valley staff. Most patients are fully capable of responding to speech and touch, even though they experience little pain or discomfort. Some patients also notice a feeling of lightheadedness, tingling in the arms or heaviness in their legs. These responses are all perfectly normal.

How long do the effects of laughing gas sedation last?

Once under the effects of laughing gas sedation, you should remain comfortable throughout your dental procedure. The dentist will carefully control the amount of laughing gas you receive to keep you in just the right state of relaxation, yet alert enough to respond to our staff. Once the procedure has been completed, most patients quickly recover alertness. In most cases, patients are able to drive safely soon afterward.

Is laughing gas sedation the best form of sedation for me?

As mentioned previously, laughing gas is a safe and effective form of sedation for patients of almost any age. If you have any specific medical concerns, check with your physician before your procedure. You should also discuss any related concerns with your Dentists Office of The Hudson Valley dentist or staff. Our sedation experts will always take your concerns into consideration before administering any for m of anesthesia, regardless of the method chosen.

Your Dentists Office of The Hudson Valley Licensed Sedation Dentist may suggest intravenous (IV) sedation if you have acute anxiety or a severe gag reflex.

How it works: Our Licensed Sedation Dentists in Lake Katrine are skilled at keeping you in a completely conscious, yet fully relaxed state. The IV allows the dentist to easily adjust your medication level, ensuring the exact dosage to keep you comfortable, but able to easily interact with our staff. The effects of IV sedation take time to wear off, however, so make sure you have a responsible adult to see you home safely.

If you have questions regarding any of these sedation methods, or about sedation dentistry in general, ask to speak to a Dentists Office of The Hudson Valley sedation specialist when requesting your appointment. We will be happy to address any concerns. We want nothing to stand between you and the safe, effective dental care so essential to your good health.