Nitrous Oxide Sedation in Houston, TX

Have you been avoiding a trip to the dentist due to dental anxieties or fears? If so, contact Made Ya Smile Dental in Houston, TX to learn about sedation dentistry with nitrous oxide gas. We use this mild sedative to allow patients to enjoy calm, relaxing dental visits, whether they are visiting us for routine care or more complex dental needs. Nitrous oxide (N₂O) gas, also known as "laughing gas" because of the euphoric effect, is inhaled while you are receiving treatment and is a safe option for patients of all ages. With nitrous oxide, you remain awake throughout your procedure and return to normal once the gas is turned off. To learn about conscious sedation with nitrous oxide and our other sedation options, schedule a consultation with our friendly team today.

As one of the most common sedation techniques available, nitrous oxide gas can be used in children and adults alike. Our dentists will discuss your treatment concerns and review your medical history, including a list of medications you are taking, to help you decide if nitrous oxide gas is the right fit for your needs. To keep our patients relaxed, we often pair nitrous oxide sedation with gentle local anesthetic techniques to minimize any potential discomfort during treatment. Nitrous oxide gas can be used for routine cleaning visits and more extensive restorative or surgical procedures if you experience fear or anxiety when visiting the dentist. This may not be a good option for patients who have difficulty breathing through their nose, respiratory conditions, like COPD, more extreme dental fears, or additional health considerations.

Nitrous oxide gas is administered through a small mask placed over your nose prior to the start of your procedure. Once you begin to gently inhale the gas, it takes effect almost immediately. You will continue to breathe in the gas throughout your procedure. During this time, our team will continually monitor your vital signs and how you respond to the sedation and make adjustments to the volume as needed to keep you comfortable and relaxed. When receiving laughing gas, you may feel euphoric or giddy and notice a feeling of warmth or tingling in your hands and feet. In most cases, we will use local anesthetic to numb treatment areas along with when we administer nitrous oxide sedation. At the end of our procedure, we will turn off the gas and allow your oxygen level to return to normal.

Once the gas is stopped, the effects will start to wane immediately. Nitrous oxide leaves the body rather quickly, within 3 – 5 minutes, so there is virtually no recovery period. As soon as you leave our practice, you are free to drive and resume normal daily activities. Most patients do not experience side effects following sedation with nitrous oxide gas, but there is a small chance you could have fatigue, nausea, vomiting, sweating, chills, or headaches. We recommend that you eat a light meal or snack before your appointment and avoiding eating a large meal for at least three hours afterward to reduce the risk of nausea or vomiting.

Sedation with nitrous oxide gas may be a covered benefit under your dental insurance plan. Before your visit, we will check with your provider to learn about your specific plan and coverage amounts. At Made Ya Smile Dental, we accept most PPO plans and will gladly file your claim as a courtesy to you. If you do have out-of-pocket costs for your care, we can review the convenient payment options we accept and provide information on obtaining treatment financing through CareCredit® plans.

With nitrous oxide sedation, you and your family can overcome dental fear and enjoy positive and relaxing dental visits. Nitrous oxide gas is a mild sedative that leaves no aftereffects and can make your treatment comfortable and efficient. For more information on receiving nitrous oxide gas for your treatment, contact our team at Made Ya Smile Dental in Houston, TX today.