Nitrous Oxide Sedation In Warrensburg And Oak Grove, MO

Worry-Free Dental Care

Many patients feel somewhat uneasy about seeing the dentist. However, dental anxiety goes far beyond temporary jitters before a dental procedure. Patients with dental anxiety experience varying levels of fear at the very thought of a dental checkup and cleaning, let alone treatment to handle a dental problem. 

The extent of this fear often leads to neglect related to professional dental care. This can be incredibly problematic because routine dental care is essential for even those with impeccable at-home dental hygiene. Routine visits allow us to check for signs of serious issues that the untrained eye may not be able to notice such as oral cancer, periodontal disease, and more. 

Thankfully, Ridgeview Family Dental is proud to offer nitrous oxide sedation to patients struggling with dental anxiety. This sedation method will help patients relax during their appointments, no matter the reason for their visit.

Causes Of Dental Anxiety

Patients can experience dental anxiety for any number of reasons. Fear may develop in childhood and continue into adulthood with no identifiable cause. For some, apprehension to see the dentist originated with a bad experience. This can involve poor dental care that resulted in pain or emotional upset related to the professionalism of a dentist or dental staff.

Whatever the cause of dental anxiety, whether known or not, don’t let it stop you or someone you love from obtaining necessary dental care. Our team at Ridgeview Family Dental is here to help you gain a new perspective on dental care, one visit at a time.

Sedation At Ridgeview Family Dental

It is vitally important to us that our patients feel comfortable whether they are visiting us for a long-overdue dental checkup or necessary cosmetic or restorative care. We happily take the stress out of visits with sedation dentistry at Ridgeview Family Dental. Sedation is when a medical professional uses special medication designed to depress consciousness temporarily for the sake of easing pain, anxieties, or discomfort for patients prior to a procedure or treatment. 

Dr. Young might also suggest sedation options to patients who:

  • Experience rapid heartbeats and nausea waiting in a dental office
  • Have had bad past experiences with the dentist
  • Require multiple or more extensive treatments in one appointment
  • Have a strong gag reflex
  • Squirm from just the look or thought of dental tools
  • Don’t feel the effects of numbing agents

Patients are able to receive care in a calm state via the use of sedative medication. A sedative may be administered in a variety of ways, from orally to intravenously to being inhaled. At Ridgeview Family Dental, we use nitrous oxide as our sedation option.

Nitrous Oxide Sedation

Historically, dental nitrous oxide has involved IV administration during surgical procedures such as wisdom teeth extraction. Today, milder forms of nitrous oxide are routinely used to assist patients with dental anxiety. At Ridgeview Family Dental, you won’t have to worry about needles being used to administer your sedation. Nitrous oxide is a safe and effective sedative agent mixed with oxygen and inhaled through a small mask that fits over your nose to help you relax. 

If you have allergies or have any concerning health issues, please be sure to inform us before your visit. Nitrous oxide is not suitable for everyone, and we’ll take into consideration several factors to see if you are a candidate.

Benefits Of Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide is ideal for many of our patients. One of the primary reasons why some patients prefer inhalation is because there are no injections necessary to reach a calm state. Another benefit unique to nitrous oxide vs. oral conscious sedation is that our dental staff is able to maintain a consistent level of nitrous throughout your dental appointment. 

While all nitrous oxide works on the central nervous system to ease fear and sensations of anxiety, nitrous oxide also performs similarly to a pain-reducer, enhancing the numbing effects of the local anesthetic. Additionally, patients may appreciate the ease with which the effects of nitrous oxide lift. Within moments of stopping the administration of this sedative, the fullness of consciousness is restored. This allows patients to safely drive themselves home after their appointment.

Dental Anxiety Patient Testimonial

“Most Amazing Dentist i have ever had! When you enter the dentist office, you feel home. The staff is very affable and helpful. Greets you with big smile and helps you out with getting appointment which fits best for you. Doctor Young and Justin are very talented and will make sure they walk you through your dental problems and suggest the best solution for you. I had a oral surgery with Doctor Justin and everything went smoothly, I was nervous at first but they made sure i am in the most comfortable situation as possible, Even took call after surgery on weekends to check on me. Highly recommended to be your next dentist.”

Nimesh T. – November 2018 

Click here to read more patient testimonials.

Administering Nitrous Oxide

Also called “laughing gas,” nitrous oxide is an option our dentists may offer to help make you more comfortable during certain procedures. Using nitrous oxide allows us to decrease the sensation of fear for patients before conducting dental care. However, its not a replacement for a dental anesthetic. In some cases, after administering nitrous oxide, Dr. Young may then use a local anesthetic to numb the mouth to ensure your continued comfort.

Nitrous oxide isn’t intended to put you to sleep. You’ll be able to hear and respond to any requests or directions Dr. Young may have. Our team will ask you to breathe normally through your nose, and within a few short minutes, you should start to feel the effects of the nitrous oxide. You may feel light-headed or a tingling in your arms and legs. Some patients say their arms and legs feel heavy under nitrous oxide’s effects.  

Ultimately, you should feel calm and comfortable. The effects of nitrous oxide wear off soon after the mask is removed and you’re able to drive and start your daily activities as planned.

Frequently Asked Questions

How you feel after dental sedation depends on what type of sedation you receive. Nitrous oxide allows you to quickly return to your normal self after two to three minutes. 

Having a ride home with someone you trust following sedation is always a good idea, but with nitrous oxide, you can drive yourself home following your procedure. In addition to following any recommendations by Dr. Young, you’ll want to stay hydrated.

Nitrous oxide is a type of sedation where you are still conscious. During conscious sedation, you’ll be able to respond to questions and may or may not remember the procedure.  Most patients who underwent nitrous oxide sedation reported a euphoric and calm sensation. 

Dr. Young will be in close communication with you throughout your treatment to ensure you’re comfortable and free of pain, so he can adjust the dosage as needed.

Conscious sedation is safer than general anesthesia because there are more risks associated with losing consciousness. That’s why general anesthesia is reserved for invasive surgeries that typically take place in hospitals. 

Conscious sedation has its own risks such as:

  • Changes in heart rate and blood pressure
  • Respiratory depression
  • Allergic reaction

While complications with dental sedation are rare, having a trusted dentist such as Dr. Young to administer the medication will ensure you receive the proper dosage and that the treatment will produce the best possible results.

As beneficial as nitrous oxide is, it may not be appropriate for everyone. Generally, patients who don’t have difficulty breathing through their nose can obtain the full effect of this method. Side effects, if they do occur, are typically limited to short-lived:

  • Delayed reflexes
  • Low blood pressure
  • Fatigue
  • Nausea
  • Headache
  • Sleepiness
  • Shivering

Get The Treatment You Need Without Worry

You shouldn’t have to feel fear or anxiety when seeking help for your dental health. Taking steps towards better oral health is something we should all do without worry. If fear or anxiety prevents you from receiving the quality care you need, our professionals at Ridgeview Family Dental are here to support you. 

Dr. Young offers dental sedation so that you can get the care you need, stress-free. If you have any questions about our sedation dentistry, call us today at (660)-747-9117 or get in touch through our online contact form at the bottom of this page. We’re proud to service patients in Warrensburg and Oak Grove, MO.

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511 North Ridgeview Drive
Warrensburg, MO 64093

  • Mon-Fri: 8:00am – 5:00pm *
  • * Alternating schedule on Monday and Friday

 

2016 South Broadway
Oak Grove, MO 64075

  • Tues&Thur: 8:30am – 5pm