
admin
Aug 05, 2020
The moment of visiting the dentist is filled with anxiety and apprehension for several kids and grown-ups. It makes them nervous and uncomfortable without any reason and makes the job of the dentist a bit challenging.
Many even avoid visiting the dentist because of their fear. However, it can lead to worsening of the dental problem. Thus to calm down such patients, Hope Island dentists and several others use the laughing gas sedation.
It allows the smooth continuation of the procedure by making the patient relaxed and ready for the treatment. It can be utilised for invasive procedures as well as the usual cleaning routine for dentistry-phobic patients and children. Let us help you understand laughing gas sedation in detail.
Laughing gas is nitrous oxide which has been given the name because it makes the person inhaling it happy and stress-free. A combination of nitrous oxide and oxygen is administered to the patient through a small nasal mask which is fixed over the nose.
The dentist is in control of the sedation and can alter the amount of gas as required. Since it makes the inhaler happy, it helps in reducing pain and discomfort.
Unlike other sedation procedures, this one does not make the patient unconscious or fall asleep. They may feel sleepy but do not doze off and are able to understand the instructions of the dentist and his staff.
It is safe and thus is highly used in paediatric dentistry to make the hyperactive kids sit in a place and get the treatment done without causing any trouble.
Patients are awake and appear in a relaxed disposition after the gas is administered. It has no side-effects and wears off quickly. Usually, dentists use it for kids who are scared to sit in the chair.
Most adults who undergo laughing gas sedation drive back home themselves after the treatment since it wears off after a few minutes of removing the nosepiece.
The only impact is a tingling feeling in the legs and general euphoria while the gas is inhaled, which makes the patient sail through the process seamlessly. In some cases, if a high dose is administered, then the patient might feel nauseated or have a headache.
However, this is dependent on the competence of the dentist. If you visit an experienced practitioner, then such problems do not arise.
It is unlikely that the patient will start laughing after inhaling the gas. They will feel elated and drowsy. Happy gas is useful in helping the children feel dreamy without actually falling asleep.
They may also forget about the procedure due to the effect of the gas. However, they will follow the instructions of the dentist with ease, and the practitioner must make sure that the level of sedation is maintained throughout the procedure.
For an invasive procedure, the dentist might also administer local anaesthesia in addition to the laughing gas to reduce the pain. Nitrous oxide is the most quickly inhaled sedation which enters the brain and travels through the blood without combining with haemoglobin or leading to biotransformation.
Since it is not highly soluble, it is expelled from the body swiftly through pulmonary exhalation. There is an inherent safety margin to control the level of the gas and several safety features in the delivery system to avoid any negative impact of the inhalation.
As stated above, laughing gas can be used for extensive procedures as well as small check-ups for kids and patients who are afraid of the treatment. It is most commonly used while conducting root canals, dental implants, tooth fillings, veneers, porcelain crowns and wisdom tooth extractions.
It helps in keeping the kids in the chair for a longer duration and works best for people who are scared of needles and dental procedures. It is beneficial for treating people who are unable to keep their mouth wide open for the entire duration of the procedure.
Also, it is recommended for those who have a hypersensitive gag reflex as the dentist needs to insert his instruments in the mouth.
Kids or adults should not eat anything for two hours before the sedation to avoid nausea afterwards. The last meal should be light and can consist of soup and toast, which is easily digested.
If the child feels nauseated after the removal of the nosepiece, then he/she must be given some water or juice to drink to feel better. Not everyone can undergo the laughing gas sedation.
People who have a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase deficiency or cobalamin deficiency should inform the dentist about these ailments. Such patients should not use laughing gas for sedation. Also, pregnant women who are in their first trimester should avoid the use of nitrous oxide gas
Laughing gas sedation helps conduct several dental procedures in kids and adults. If you are planning to visit a dentist in Hope Island and are scared of the dental instruments, then ask them about the laughter gas sedation to have a