Nitrous Oxide Sedation in Traverse City, MI

Nitrous oxide is a colorless, odorless gas that is used to safely eliminate pain and calm nervous dental patients at Yancho Family and Cosmetic Dentistry in Traverse City, MI. Unlike the injections that remove pain in a specific area, nitrous oxide is an overall pain reliever. After breathing the gas for about 5 minutes, patients experience a numbing and euphoric feeling throughout their body. Some people get a case of the giggles, which is where nitrous oxide gets its nickname "laughing gas." Some of the benefits of using nitrous oxide are that it works very quickly. Typically, within a few minutes the patient can already feel the relaxing effects of the drug. The level of sedation can be quickly and easily adjusted by board-certified dentist Dr. Phillip Yancho throughout the procedure to ensure that the patient is not uncomfortable or overly sedated. There's no lingering "hang over" effect. When sedation is no longer needed Dr. Yancho will stop the nitrous oxide and administer oxygen through the mask, giving the patient a fresh and alert feeling.

Typically, nitrous oxide is combined with oxygen for safer results. To begin sedation, the dentist places a nasal hood over the patient’s nose and the patient is instructed to breathe normally through their nose in order to inhale the gas. The nitrous oxide will start working within a few minutes and the patient will begin to feel light-headed. After that, the patient will notice a tingling sensation, usually in their arms and legs, or a vibrating feeling that is followed by a warmth through the body. Once the gas takes full effect, the patient should experience a sense of euphoria, or well-being. Unlike other forms of sedation, the dentist can determine the exact amount of time that the nitrous oxide is needed. Therefore, it can be switched on and off at any given time, depending on the patient’s needs.

Once the dentist has stopped the supply of nitrous oxide, the gas should leave the body within 3 – 5 minutes, which means that the patient should have no "hangover" effect, and is safe to drive home after the procedure. Since nitrous oxide is a relatively safe form of sedation, there are usually no negative side effects associated with the gas. In rare instances, a patient may report slight nausea. If a patient is prone to nausea, it is suggested they eat something before receiving nitrous oxide.

When you contact our office to schedule an appointment, we are happy to answer any questions you may have regarding sedation. We can walk you through the process and discuss the advantages and disadvantages. Please contact us today to schedule your consultation to see if nitrous oxide is right for you.