Nitrous Oxide Sedation in Wichita Falls, TX

If you have been avoiding appointments due to dental fears and anxieties, learn more about nitrous oxide sedation at Stone Lake Dental. Our office in Wichita Falls, TX offers nitrous oxide sedation for both longer procedures and to help patients with dental anxieties and fears during regular appointments. Nitrous oxide (N₂O) gas is an effective sedation method that can help you safely relax during your dental work. Commonly known as laughing gas, nitrous oxide is used by our experienced dentists to help you feel more comfortable while still being awake. Schedule a consultation at our facility to discuss using nitrous oxide or another form of sedation during your appointment.

Nitrous oxide is one of the most common sedation techniques and it can be used safely on both adults and children. Before nitrous oxide gas is used, we will go through your medical history, current medications, and concerns to ensure nitrous oxide gas is a good choice for you. N₂O sedation may be used for lengthy or simple procedures in conjunction with local anesthesia to help minimize your discomfort. Nitrous oxide sedation may also be used for dental anxieties or fears that keep you from visiting the dentist. Nitrous oxide gas may not be suitable if you have difficulty breathing through your nose, extreme phobias, have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or other similar conditions.

Before your procedure begins, the nitrous oxide gas will be administered through a nasal hood. As you gently breathe in the gas, it will quickly act and start relaxing you. Your health and response to the gas will be monitored, and the volume will be adjusted as needed throughout the procedure so you remain comfortable. You might notice tingling in your arms and legs, as well as a feeling of warmth, euphoria, or well-being as the gas takes effect. Nitrous oxide is normally used along with a local anesthesia, such as lidocaine, to numb your mouth. Once the procedure is complete, the gas will be turned off and the effects begin to subside shortly after.

Recovery from N₂O sedation is usually immediate, as the gas is eliminated in a matter of minutes. You should be able to drive and resume your normal activities when you leave our office. Side effects are uncommon, but you may experience headaches, chills, sweating, nausea, vomiting, or fatigue. Please contact our office if you have any concerns or side effects that last longer than a few days. To minimize the risk of nausea and vomiting, it is suggested that you eat a light meal before your procedure and wait at least three hours after you leave before eating a large meal.

If you have dental insurance, our office will contact your carrier to understand your coverage and benefits regarding nitrous oxide sedation. This will help us better estimate your out-of-pocket costs before your procedure. If you do not have dental insurance, Stone Lake Dental accepts many forms of payment, including medical financing, to help make your treatment and N₂O sedation more affordable.

If you skip routine dental appointments or you're ignoring dental pain because of fear or anxiety, please schedule a consultation to learn more about nitrous oxide sedation at our office in Wichita Falls, TX. Our highly trained team will be happy to answer your questions and address your concerns about the use of nitrous oxide sedation at Stone Lake Dental.