Bid Adieu To Your Dental Fears

If the thought of a visit to the dentist sets your stomach a-flutter, fear not and breathe deeply. There is a solution. Dr. Glasser commonly uses conscious sedation as a way to help his patients relax during their dental procedures. This type of sedation uses a gas called Nitrous Oxide and is also called “inhaled minimal sedation.” You may have heard of nitrous oxide because it’s common name is “laughing gas.”

What is Nitrous Oxide?

Nitrous oxide is an effective, yet safe, colorless gas with a slightly sweet odor. It is prepared for use by heating ammonium nitrate and then mixing it with oxygen. When used in conscious sedation dentistry, it produces exhilaration or light anesthesia when inhaled through a small mask that fits over your nose. It does not put you to sleep.

How does it work?

• During your procedure, you will be able to hear and respond to any requests or directions Dr. Glasser may have. You breathe normally through your nose, and within a few minutes you will begin to feel nitrous oxide’s calm, soothing effects. You may feel a tingling in your legs and arms or they may feel heavy. You may also feel light-headed. But the important thing to remember is that you will feel calm and comfortable.
• Nitrous oxide wears off soon after the mask is removed and your dental procedure is complete. For most procedures, you will require a local anesthetic, a numbing medication at the site of the procedure, as well.
• Nitrous oxide can make procedures that take hours seem like minutes, even though you are completely awake and conscious. When its effects wear off, you will not recall the smells, sights or sounds of your visit.

Before your dental procedure, Dr. Glasser will go over your medical history, including any medications you are taking. This is an important step that ensures you are a good candidate for conscious sedation.

If it’s been too long since your last dental visit, don’t wait another day. Call to schedule an appointment, today: (631) 423-6767.