Nitrous Oxide
nearby Honolulu
Nitrous Oxide Sedation provided by Dr. Haruki
and Dr. Oishi
in Honolulu & Waipi'o, HI at Pacific Maxillofacial Center
 Treating oral health issues is essential for halting its progression, and restoring the health of your mouth. However, if you feel even the slightest bit anxious, you may try to put off, or even avoid, treatment. In doing so, the issues only get worse and will require more invasive treatments later, such as oral surgery. Even if you can make it into the chair, you may be unable to sit still, which can make treatment difficult or even dangerous. At Pacific Maxillofacial Center, we can help to ease your anxiety, allowing you to get the treatment you need, with nitrous oxide.
What is Nitrous Oxide?
Nitrous oxide is a mild sedation option that commonly goes by the name of laughing gas. This type of sedation uses a small mask, which is placed over your nose, to deliver a mixture of the sedative as well as oxygen. It is the lightest form of sedation available and is used to take the edge off. All you have to do is breathe the colorless gas in. In addition to helping to make you feel calmer, it also works to raise your pain threshold and reduce the gag reflex, which could otherwise interfere with our ability to perform your procedures safely. Nitrous oxide is best suited for patients who only have a mild amount of anxiety regarding their procedures.
Why Use Nitrous Oxide?
Does the thought of undergoing a dental procedure, even something minor, cause you to feel anxious? If so, this can cause you to put off, or even avoid, necessary dental treatments. While it might not seem like a big deal at the time, putting off dental care can lead to issues worsening, which would then require more invasive, and more expensive, procedures. Even if you can get into the dental chair, you might become tense, or have a difficult time sitting still, both of which can interfere with our ability to provide you with safe, effective treatment. Nitrous oxide enables you to relax while we work. You remain calm and comfortable, and we can perform your necessary procedures.
How Does Treatment with Nitrous Oxide Work?
Nitrous oxide is a simple, straightforward sedation. When you sit down in the dental chair, we secure the mask over your nose. When we are ready to begin, the nitrous oxide and the oxygen are turned on. The gas begins to take effect almost immediately, and you are made to be completely relaxed. After your procedure is over, the nitrous oxide is turned off. The oxygen remains on for a few additional minutes to ensure that the nitrous completely leaves your system. The gas wears off just as quickly as it takes effect, and you can drive yourself home when your appointment is completed, unlike oral conscious sedation.
The Benefits of Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide offers numerous benefits including:
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We do not need to use any needles.
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You do not need to take any medication.
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The gas goes to work quickly and also wears off quickly.
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Levels of the sedative can be adjusted quickly as needed, helping to minimize any risks of inhaling too much gas. |
Is Nitrous Oxide Safe?
Nitrous oxide has been in use for over 150 years. It is very common in the dental office and is the safest form of sedation available. Additionally, there are no lingering side effects after the gas has worn off.
If you are feeling anxious about your treatment, nitrous oxide can help. When you are relaxed, you feel more comfortable, and we can safely perform your procedure. Call Pacific Maxillofacial Center to learn more and find out if nitrous oxide is right for you at 808-585-8455.
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