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Sedation Dentistry – Oklahoma City, OK

No More Stressful Dental Visits

Does going to the dentist cause you or your child to feel anxious? If so, our team would like to know, and that’s because we can help put these nerves to rest with sedation dentistry. This approach can help even the most fearful patient feel fully relaxed during any procedure, removing a sizeable barrier between someone and their needed dental care. To learn more about our options for sedation dentistry in Oklahoma City, OK and which one might be best for you or your child, contact us today

Why Choose Jeffrey F. Hermen, DDS for Sedation Dentistry?

  • Nitrous Oxide: Gentle Enough for Children, Strong Enough for Adults
  • Friendly & Highly Experienced Team
  • Patient Comfort Always Comes First

Nitrous Oxide Sedation

Woman receiving nitrous oxide dental sedation

Nitrous oxide is a light and gentle form of dental sedation, and you probably are more familiar with its nickname “laughing gas.” It’s been use in dentistry for decades to help patients feel more relaxed and comfortable in the dental chair. Patients of all ages can benefit from nitrous oxide sedation, and almost anyone is considered a good candidate for it. Best of all, there are no lasting side-effects once the nitrous oxide wears off, so you’ll be free to drive yourself home and carry on with your day as usual! Read on to learn more about nitrous oxide sedation, and give us a call today to discover if it’s right for you.

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Who Is a Good Candidate for Nitrous Oxide Sedation?

candidate for nitrous oxide sedation in Oklahoma City giving thumbs up

When compared to other forms of sedation dentistry, nitrous oxide is the lightest. It’s also easy to adjust at any time during your treatment, and it’s very easy to administer. For all these reasons and more, nitrous oxide is a great choice for practically any patient interested in it. Young children to older adults can benefit from nitrous oxide sedation if they:

  • Feel anxious or scared of the dentist, or need some help relaxing in the dental chair
  • Have sensitive teeth or an overreactive gag reflex
  • Have jaw, neck, shoulder, or back pain that makes sitting in the dental chair uncomfortable
  • Struggle to sit still for long periods of time
  • Will be having several treatments completed in one appointment
  • Will be undergoing a lengthy or complex treatment

While most patients qualify as good candidates for nitrous oxide sedation, it’s not a good choice for those who are pregnant, have certain medical conditions, or who are experiencing nasal congestion. We’ll see you for a consultation beforehand to discuss your concerns and goals, then we’ll review your medical history and current health to determine if nitrous oxide is the best option for you.

How Does Nitrous Oxide Sedation Work?

Smiling man relaxing with nitrous oxide sedation in Oklahoma City

When you arrive for your appointment and settle into the dental chair, we’ll place a small mask over your nose. Through it, you’ll breathe in a colorless, odorless gas that will make you feel light, airy, and care-free within a matter of moments. You’ll remain conscious throughout your appointment and will be able to respond to simple questions and instructions. However, you’ll be completely oblivious to the sights, sounds, and sensations that would typically cause you distress. In fact, some patients are so relaxed with nitrous oxide that they drift off to sleep during their treatment! Our experienced team will monitor you closely throughout your appointment. We’ll be able to precisely adjust your level of sedation at any moment if necessary to ensure your comfort and safety.

Aftercare for Nitrous Oxide Sedation

Confident woman relaxing after nitrous oxide dental sedation in Oklahoma City

Once your treatment has been completed, we’ll simply remove the nose mask. Within just a few minutes of breathing in regular oxygen, you’ll return to your normal state of alertness. In rare cases, a patient may feel slightly nauseous for a short time, but the majority of patients experience no lingering symptoms or side effects once the sedation wears off. We’ll keep an eye on you for a short while, and then you’ll be free to drive yourself home and go about your day as usual.

Nitrous Oxide Sedation FAQs

Does nitrous oxide sedation put you to sleep? 

Since terms like “sleep dentistry” are often used in place of “sedation dentistry,” you might be wondering if nitrous oxide will put you to sleep. The answer is “no.” However, it is common for patients to be in such a relaxed state that they begin to doze off. In that case, we can gently wake you, if needed. Or, we will simply allow you to sleep as we continue to work to maintain, restore, or enhance your smile!

How long does nitrous oxide last? 

The effects of nitrous oxide dissipate almost instantly. This is a significant benefit because, unlike other sedation dentistry options, you don’t need to arrange for someone to drive you home from your appointment. In fact, you can resume your day-to-day routine immediately afterward!

Is sedation dentistry covered by insurance? 

Although sedation dentistry isn’t typically covered by dental insurance, there are some cases where it is. If, for example, you have a disability that makes it impossible to get the care you need without it, then your provider will likely cover a portion (if not all) of the cost. It’s also common for nitrous oxide to be covered when extensive dental care is needed, like several tooth extractions. So, it’s definitely worth looking at the fine print on your plan to familiarize yourself with your benefits. If you need any help, just ask – our Oklahoma City dental team is here for you!

Is sedation dentistry worth it? 

If it turns out that your dental plan doesn’t include sedation dentistry, you might be wondering if it’s worth the out-of-pocket cost. Ultimately, that’s up to you. However, we can tell you that many patients with dental-related anxiety, sensitive gag reflexes, and head/neck/jaw pain find it incredibly helpful. It essentially melts away any nerves or stress so that you can get the dental care you need in the positive atmosphere you deserve; that’s priceless!

Can dental sedation make you sick? 

It’s very rare for nitrous oxide to cause patients to feel nauseous. If you are prone to nausea, however, then we may ask you to fast prior to your appointment. We can also adjust the levels of nitrous throughout your treatment, ensuring that anxiety and nausea are kept at bay.

Does dental sedation make you tell secrets? 

In TV shows and movies, sedation dentistry often makes the characters say and do silly things. Don’t worry – nitrous oxide sedation isn’t a truth serum. So, you don’t have to worry about accidentally saying something that you otherwise wouldn’t have during your appointment. Plus, even if you did, it would be kept within the walls of the treatment room.

What does it feel like to be sedated at the dentist? 

Since nitrous oxide is sometimes referred to as “laughing gas,” you might expect to be very giggly. However, the nickname is a bit of a misnomer. In reality, most patients describe feeling light, relaxed, and euphoric.