Do you get nervous at just the thought of going to the dentist? If you can feel your heart racing or you’re starting to sweat, know that you’re not the only one who feels this way. Many patients experience dental anxiety. It is a leading cause of poor oral health in adults today.
Close to 60% of people have anxiety ahead of their dental appointment. Even if it’s not necessarily enough to make them cancel. However, if you’re starting to get cold feet ahead of your visit, Dr. Grapevine offers relaxation methods to help you relax. To make your general dental treatments as comfortable as possible, we offer:
- Comfortable neck pillows
- Clean and cozy blankets
- Mouth pillow to reduce jaw discomfort
- Compound topical gel to reduce sensitivity and discomfort for injection site
- Doctor’s own custom injection technique that provides minimal to no pain in sight of injections
- Sunglasses
- Nitrous oxide
We can customize additional relaxation methods for your specific needs. Talk with our staff about your unique needs.
To give our patients as comfortable of an experience as possible, Dr. Jacob Grapevine offers nitrous oxide (or laughing gas). Nitrous oxide can relax you and increase your comfort level during your dental care visit. This practice can also help you receive the dental treatment you need to restore oral health after time away from the dentist.
Patient Review
Nitrous Oxide in Plano, TX
Nitrous oxide can be a fantastic relaxation method for keeping up with your routine exams, cleanings, and just about any other treatment you need while feeling anxiety-free. It is the only method of sedation we use.
You will inhale the gas through a nasal mask before procedures. You can expect anxiety and nervousness to almost immediately go away. It relaxes you during your appointment while being aware of your surroundings and enables you to drive yourself home afterward.
Patients remain fully conscious and aware but do not experience the mental stress that can come with oral health procedures. Nitrous oxide takes effect and wears off quickly, so most patients tolerate it very well. When your dentist uses laughing gas with a local anesthetic, it eliminates patients’ psychological aversion to the dentist office.
How Does Nitrous Oxide Work?
Dr. Grapevine and his team have the training to provide nitrous oxide in-house for your convenience. The sedative travels quickly through your body once you inhale the gas through a dedicated nasal mask. This results in a light yet euphoric effect that keeps you at ease. While other sedatives can take time, nitrous oxide is virtually instant. The on-the-fly capabilities of nitrous oxide also make it easier for Dr. Grapevine to adjust the amount he administers to help you get comfortable.
Remember that nitrous oxide is not meant to put you to sleep like general anesthesia. Rather you will be in a deep state of relaxation and perhaps a little light-headed. You may even notice a tingling sensation in your arms or legs. What’s important is that you feel calm and comfortable. In some cases, patients don’t even remember much of their treatment, and some would prefer to keep it that way if their anxiety is particularly severe.
Once Dr. Grapevine completes treatment, we will remove the sedative. The effects will quickly wear off as you begin breathing normal air rather than oxygen mixed with nitrous oxide. You’ll even be able to drive yourself home!
Is Nitrous Oxide Right for You?
Nitrous oxide is ideal for those with fears or anxieties about dentistry, but it’s hardly the only group that can benefit from its use. For example, we may recommend it for patients who have:
- A sensitive gag reflex.
- Difficulty holding the jaw open for long periods of time.
- Discomfort in the neck or back.
- Jaw pain (especially for those with TMD).
- Tooth sensitivity.
We cannot recommend nitrous oxide if you are pregnant, have high blood pressure, or have glaucoma. After your appointment, Dr. Grapevine will review your medical history in more detail to ensure you are eligible for sedation.
Are There Side Effects of Nitrous Oxide?
Nitrous oxide has no lingering side effects, which is common for stronger sedatives. You won’t need anyone to drive you from the practice after your treatment. Of course, Dr. Grapevine is happy to answer any questions you have about your aftercare.
Dental patient before and after porcelain veneers at Signature Dentistry.
Who Benefits From Nitrous Oxide?
Nitrous oxide is most commonly used for patients that have dental anxiety. Some patients have dental fear that’s so crippling they can’t even come into the office for a dental cleaning. Using nitrous oxide, we can relax these patients enough to get the care they need. But patients with dental anxiety aren’t the only ones that can benefit from nitrous oxide.
It can be difficult to perform more intensive dental procedures on patients with certain medical conditions. Patients with movement disorders like Parkinson’s may have uncontrollable movements. It can cause injury when this happens while dentists have sharp dental tools in the mouth. Nitrous oxide relaxes those movements to make care safer. It’s also beneficial for patients that find dental care difficult because of sensory issues.
Since nitrous oxide is so temporary, it’s safe for children to use, in addition to adults. Particularly for more intensive procedures, it’s hard for kids to sit still long enough to complete them. We don’t want to risk injury when kids squirm in the chair. Nitrous oxide keeps them relaxed and comfortable to get their care.
Nitrous oxide is ideal for patients with a low pain tolerance or sensitive teeth. Though we completely numb the area during invasive procedures, even simple cleanings can be painful for certain individuals. Nitrous oxide makes the process more tolerable and dulls the pain. It can even make recovery better for these patients. It’s also true for patients that have a bad gag reflex. Getting any oral care with a gag reflex can be difficult, but nitrous oxide relaxes it.
Lastly, nitrous oxide can help us do our jobs better. We don’t want to fight patients or cause pain when performing care. Our goal is to relieve pain and assist with your smile’s health. Nitrous oxide allows us to perform care more quickly and efficiently. We don’t have to worry as much about adverse reactions or movements from the patient, allowing us to focus completely on your care. It’s a more pleasant dental experience for you and can make your recovery smoother.
Frequently Asked Questions
Nitrous oxide helps many types of patients receive needed dental care. Learn more by reading the answers to these commonly asked questions.
Is nitrous oxide the only way to treat dental anxiety?
No. Nitrous oxide is like a bandage for most patients. Some patients have no choice but to get nitrous oxide for medical reasons. There are other ways to treat your dental anxiety that don’t involve nitrous oxide. Talking through your dental fears with a friend or therapist can help you understand their origins. This can drastically reduce your fears or even eliminate them.
What does nitrous oxide feel like?
Dental sedation options differ in how dentists administer them, but they share some common traits. Expect to be happy and euphoric the whole time you are under sedation. Your dentist will not put you completely to sleep, but you may feel like you are on the border between asleep and awake. You may become disoriented and temporarily forget what’s going on. Your dental team will closely monitor you as well.
Is it okay to go to sleep after nitrous oxide?
Yes. Taking a nap after getting home helps rid your body of residual symptoms, however nitrous oxide usually dissipates immediately. Taking a nap after your treatment is safe if you’re in a safe environment at home. Children who have undergone sedation may be drowsy for longer than adults.
Why Choose Dr. Jacob Grapevine?
Our compassionate and caring team takes the time to understand your needs and ensure you feel comfortable during your visit. From the moment you step into our soothing and calming atmosphere, you’ll notice the difference. Dr. Jacob Grapevine is known for his gentle touch and warm demeanor, taking time to listen and put every patient at ease. Plus, our advanced numbing techniques ensure treatments are as comfortable as possible. Whether you’ve avoided the dentist for years or just get a little uneasy in the chair, we’re here to make your visit as pleasant and stress-free as possible.
Our dental practice uses techniques that can all but eliminate the unpleasantness of professional oral care. Whether you need a simple cavity filling or an advanced restorative procedure, nitrous oxide can do wonders to limit mental and physical discomfort. Dr. Grapevine can help you reestablish your oral health for a better life and boost your self-confidence.
There is good reason to consider nitrous oxide as an avenue to finally get the oral care you need with the relaxation methods made available today. Contact our dental office at (972) 449-5759 today or request an appointment online anytime.