We understand that you may be afraid to visit the dentist, but know that you're not alone. Many Australians will often avoid personal responsibilities whenever they need to visit their dentist, enduring painful gums, toothache and even cavities, which can lead to a lot of pain and suffering. Your dental appointment doesn't have to be scary or uncomfortable - with National Dental Care, you can enjoy a relaxing, pain-free experience, utilising simple sedation methods such as laughing gas, that can help to ease your nerves.
Laughing gas or happy gas as it is also known, are effective and fast-working sedation options, with zero downtime and minimal side effects.
Overview
Laughing Gas, is an inhalation style, sedation method, that is offered at many dental practices. Once inhaled, laughing gas calms down patients who feel nervous, frightened, or tense during dental procedures. This sedation can produce emotions of joy, euphoria, and relaxation, so patients can feel more comfortable during their appointment.
This quick-working gas can be used to help alleviate stress in people that have dental anxiety, with zero downtime and minimal side effects. It is also appropriate for people who have a low pain threshold or can't sit still in the dentist's chair.
Dentists often prefer the use of 'Happy Gas' over other sedation methods, as it is fast-acting, and has reversible side effects. It is one of the safest sedation methods in dentistry.
Types of Sedation
What is Sedation? Sedation is a treatment method that aides the reduction of irritability during medical and dental procedures, through the use of sedatives (drugs). At National Dental Care, we want our patients to be relaxed and remain comfortable during their appointment - especially during complex dental treatments. During the sedation process, our practitioners will use medications to place you in a calm and peaceful state, while you undergo your procedure(s).
- General Anaesthesia: A collection of medications to help put patients in a deep sleep-like state.
- Oral Sedation: A tablet or liquid to help calm a patients nerves.
- Intravenous Sedation: A small injection of sedative into a patient's arm to help a patient relax.
- Inhalation Sedation: The inhalation of a gas that helps decrease pain and reduce anxiety.
You'll still receive a local anaesthetic, or numbing medication, to relieve pain at the site where the doctor is working in your mouth. It will prevent pain and discomfort. If you're nervous about getting your dental treatment done, talk to one of our National Dental Care dentists about available sedation options.
The Effects of Laughing Gas
Laughing gas uses minimal sedation and will leave you feeling a general sense of euphoria. Unlike general anaesthesia - where you are put into an unconscious state, you will remain fully conscious and will be able to respond to your dentist's request or directions. You can also swallow, talk, or spit as needed during a procedure.
You may experience some of the following feelings:
- Lightheadedness
- Calmness
- Soothing
- Relieves anxiety
- Minimal to no pain
- Floating feeling (euphoria)
- Suppresses individual senses including hearing, touch, and pain
- Giggling or laughing
- Tingling in the hands and body
Intravenous and oral sedation usually leaves patients drowsy after their procedure. Happy gas doesn't have long-lasting effects and usually wears off within minutes after our dentist removes the mask.
If you need quality care for your teeth, visit your local National Dental Care practice. Our mission is to provide Australians with superior dental services in a nurturing setting. We are one of the largest providers of dental services in the country, since our inception in 2013. To schedule an appointment, contact us today.