Nitrous Oxide – Copperas Cove, TX

Who is a Good Candidate for Nitrous Oxide?

Nitrous oxide is a great sedation option for adults and children alike who struggle to complete dental appointments due to fear and anxiety. However, these types of patients are far from the only group that can benefit. For example, those with the following concerns may also want to consider nitrous oxide:

• A fear of needles or overstimulation from being in the dental office
• Difficulty sitting still in the dental chair
• Tooth sensitivity
• Strong gag reflex
• Difficulty receiving numbing agents

Keep in mind that if you are pregnant, have sinus congestion, respiratory disease, or taking certain medications that can interfere with the sedative’s effectiveness, nitrous oxide may not be for you.

How Does Nitrous Oxide Work?

Nitrous oxide is administered through a nasal mask that is worn over your face. As you gently inhale the gas-based sedative in the dental chair, you’ll start to feel very calm, comfortable, and even euphoric. The effects only take a minute or two to develop, meaning there’s no need to wait for an extended period of time ahead of your appointment.

After your treatment or checkup is complete, we’ll remove the nasal mask so you can start breathing in regular air. As a result, the side effects of the sedative will diminish as quickly as they appeared. This makes them an ideal option for those who would prefer to drive themselves home or get back to their workplace the same day as their appointment.

Aftercare for Nitrous Oxide

There should be no lingering side effects after you receive nitrous oxide sedation, however, we will ask you to remain in our office for a few minutes just to be absolutely sure you are okay to head out on your own. This will also provide an opportunity for our team to explain any aftercare instructions you’ll need to follow, if applicable. For those with mild anxiety, nitrous oxide is typically the best option for making dental visits comfortable from start-to-finish, all without the lingering side effects common among stronger sedatives provided at our office.