Nitrous Oxide Can Make Your Dental Experience More Enjoyable

Dentist in Irving, TX
The doctors at Kids and Grownups Dental in Irving, TX, understand that dental anxiety and phobia can prevent patients from receiving the care they need. Patients suffering with this disorder can receive dental care in comfort with nitrous oxide sedation. Nitrous oxide can also benefit patients who may have difficulty sitting still for long periods of time due to discomfort or other health conditions. At our office, we believe all patients should be able to receive the care they need, regardless of cost. However, advanced sedation methods may not always be covered by dental insurance. For that reason, we offer financing through CareCredit®, Lending Club®, and SimplePayTM to make necessary treatment more affordable.
A young woman wears a nitrous oxide mask.
Nitrous oxide sedation is safe and effective and can be instrumental in helping all patients receive the treatment they need. 

What are Dental Anxiety and Dental Phobia?

Dental anxiety and phobia are conditions that affect nearly 40 million people in the United States. While often used interchangeably, dental phobia is more severe and can prevent people from visiting the dentist altogether, even when they are in great need of care. For these patients, the fear of visiting the dentist is more debilitating than the pain they are experiencing.

People with dental anxiety and phobia struggle with fears related to the dentist, such as the instruments and needles used, the smell of the office, and the potential pain they may experience. Fears are often the result of a past traumatic experience. We encourage parents to be careful when discussing their dental experiences in front of their children, as dental anxiety can develop at a young age and affect children long into their adult years.

Dental anxiety and phobia are conditions that affect nearly 40 million people in the United States.

How Does Nitrous Oxide Work?

There are several different levels of sedation offered in the dental industry, and nitrous oxide is generally considered to be a light conscious sedation method. Also known as “laughing gas” because some patients may become euphoric while under its effects, nitrous oxide is mixed with oxygen and administered through a nose mask. Generally, patients are able to respond to the doctor’s commands but are unaware of what is happening during their procedure. As soon as the mask is removed, patients are typically clear-headed and experience no ill side effects. Nitrous oxide is often used in combination with a local anesthetic to provide optimum comfort. Those patients who may require heavier sedation can speak with Dr. Lee about oral conscious sedation.

Who is a Good Candidate for Nitrous Oxide?

If the thought of visiting the dentist makes you nervous, or if you have canceled your past appointments due to fear of pain, you may be a good candidate for nitrous oxide. This sedative is also recommended for:

  • Patients with severe dental sensitivity
  • Patients who have trouble achieving total numbness
  • Patients undergoing complex treatment, such as receiving dental implants or undergoing full mouth reconstruction
  • Patients who have trouble sitting still or controlling their movements due to certain medical conditions
  • Patients who have fear of pain or needles
  • Patients who have a strong gag reflex

Cost of Nitrous Oxide

The cost of nitrous oxide will depend on a variety of factors, including the amount of sedative required and your dental insurance coverage. In cases where insurance does not offer full coverage, we provide financing through CareCredit®, Lending Club®, and SimplePayTM to make treatment more affordable.

Receive the Treatment You Need

If you have avoided the dentist due to dental fear, we invite you to visit with one of our doctors about implementing nitrous oxide into your dental care. Contact us online or call (972) 255-4164 to schedule your consultation today.

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