Nitrous Oxide Sedation in Hammond, LA

MINT dentistry in Hammond, LA is committed to helping our patients achieve stunning smiles with minimal stress or discomfort. Our experienced dentists often consult with patients who wish to improve their oral health but are hesitant about getting started because of dentophobia (fear of the dentist). If anxiety is holding you back from a healthy, attractive smile, MINT dentistry wants to help. Our modern practice in Hammond, LA offers sedation methods, like nitrous oxide gas, for dental procedures and services to help keep patients comfortable during their appointments. Nitrous oxide (N₂O) gas is an effective sedation method that can help you to relax safely without feeling groggy afterward. Commonly known as laughing gas, nitrous oxide sedation is offered by MINT dentistry's board-certified doctors to keep you comfortable but awake. Schedule a consultation with one of our board-certified dentists to discuss using nitrous oxide during your appointment.

Laughing gas or nitrous oxide is a common method of sedation dentistry. It can be used safely on most patients. Before nitrous oxide gas is used, your dentist will ask about your medical history, current medications, and conditions, as well as answer any questions or concerns you may have to ensure nitrous oxide is a good option for you. N₂O sedation at MINT dentistry in Hammond, LA can be used during most procedures and is typically used along with a local anesthetic to make you fully comfortable. Nitrous oxide sedation can also be used for standard dental examinations or cleanings if you have anxieties or fears about the dentist that make these appointments stressful for you. Nitrous oxide sedation may not be used if you have trouble breathing through your nose, have extreme dentophobia, have respiratory illnesses, or have another medical condition.

To start your appointment, you will lie back in a massaging treatment chair and be given a pair of MINT sunglasses and Beats headphones to help you relax further. Before your procedure begins, a nasal hood will be placed over your face to administer the nitrous oxide gas. As you breathe normally to inhale the gas, it should start to take effect quickly. A member of the MINT dentistry team will monitor your vital signs and response to the gas, adjusting the amount of gas during the procedure so you remain relaxed. It's normal to feel tingling in your limbs, as well as a feeling of vibration, warmth, euphoria, or well-being as the sedation starts to work. Nitrous oxide is generally combined with local anesthesia, such as lidocaine, to numb your mouth in the areas being treated. Once your procedure is finished, we will turn off the gas and the effects will wear off quickly as the nitrous oxide leaves your system.

Recovery from N₂O sedation is generally quick as the gas leaves your body after just a few minutes. You will be allowed to drive and resume your normal activities after your appointment. Side effects are uncommon, but you could experience temporary chills, sweating, headaches, nausea, vomiting, or fatigue. Please contact our MINT team if your side effects last longer than three days or if you have any concerns. To decrease your chance of vomiting and nausea, we recommend eating a small meal before your visit and then waiting at least three hours after you leave before eating a large meal.

If you have dental insurance, our team will contact your provider to better understand your coverage regarding nitrous oxide sedation. Once we know this, we can estimate your remaining costs. For patients who don't have insurance, MINT dentistry in Hammond, LA takes several payment methods, including low-interest financing, which can make your procedure and nitrous oxide sedation more affordable. At MINT dentistry, we are dedicated to helping you get your desired smile as painlessly as possible. If you don't have dental insurance, ask a member of our team about the MINT Discount Plan and whether it can help make your procedures and pain-management plan more affordable.

If dental anxiety or fear has been keeping you away from the dentist, sedation dentistry may be of great benefit to you. Please schedule a consultation to get more information about nitrous oxide gas and other sedation methods at MINT dentistry. Our experienced dental professionals will address your concerns and answer any questions about using N₂O sedation. Contact our practice in Hammond, LA today!