Conscious Sedation (Laughing Gas)

Keeping your gums thoroughly cleaned can be difficult to achieve, even with regular brushing and flossing. Food particles that often become stuck in between the crevices of your teeth can develop into plaque, that build up in hard to reach areas. It is therefore vital that patients take part in regular gum hygiene treatments and dental cleanings to maintain their oral health. It is also recommended that you make the time to visit your Kemptville dentist, Dr. Besher Alfarra at Kemptville Smiles Dentistry where a preventative action plan will be developed to avoid tooth decay, damage, and gum disease.

Below, we talk more about laughing gas – what it is, how it works, its benefits, and potential side effects. Let’s start.

What is laughing gas?

Nitrous oxide is the scientific term for laughing gas. It’s a colorless and odorless gas used for medical and dental procedures.

Laughing gas helps patients relax and increases procedure efficiency. It’s gentle and effective at managing anxiety during dental treatments.

Unlike general anesthesia, it doesn’t put you to sleep. It’s a conscious type of sedation that your dentist may recommend if you have mild anxiety.

How does laughing gas work?

Nitrous oxide slows down the body’s reaction, which helps you feel calm.

Laughing gas is delivered to you through a mask. You breathe through it, and within a few minutes, you start to feel relaxed and even giddy or euphoric. You won’t necessarily laugh, but you’ll feel more at ease.

During the procedure, you’ll still hear and be able to communicate with your dentist. Once the procedure is done, your dentist turns off the nitrous oxide, and its effects immediately wear off as well.

Some patients, such as children, may need to receive oxygen to help get rid of the gas in the lungs.

Who can receive laughing gas?

Your dentist may recommend the use of laughing gas if:

• 1. You’re experiencing dental fears or anxieties.
• 2. You’re having a hard time cooperating or sitting still throughout the procedure.
• 3. You have a strong gag reflex.
• 4. You’re undergoing a long or complex procedure.

Children may also receive nitrous oxide but note that it may not be the right choice for everyone. Your dentist evaluates your oral and medical history to see if you’re a good candidate for it.

It helps to talk about any concerns you have, so your dentist can identify appropriate options for your situation.

What are the potential side effects of laughing gas?

Like any other medication, nitrous oxide or laughing gas also has potential side effects. You may feel nauseous or experience headaches. But these side effects are rare and temporary.

That’s why it’s important to disclose any health conditions, such as allergies, so your dentist can take them into account when determining the right type of sedation for you.

Laughing doesn’t come with downtime. You’ll be able to drive home safely and perform routine activities afterward.

Learn more about conscious sedation in Kemptville, ON

Do you have more questions about sedation options or dental procedures? We’re here to help!

Contact us today at (613) 258-7373. Our friendly receptionists are happy to assist you in booking an appointment with the dentist in Kemptville, ON.

How to handle certain dental emergencies:

Avulsed tooth (knocked-out tooth):

When a tooth gets knocked out from trauma, the oral tissues become damaged and it can be difficult for them to heal on their own. In most cases, a tooth can be placed back into position if you get to the dentist promptly.

If your tooth gets knocked out follow these steps:

• 1. Call our office at (613) 258-7373.
• 2. Pick up the tooth and rinse it under warm water. DO NOT touch the root.
• 3. Place the tooth back into its socket if possible – if not tuck it into your cheek.
• 4. If the tooth cannot be placed back in the mouth, place it in a cup of milk, saliva, or water as a last resort. It is important that the tooth does not dry out.
• 5. See your dentist as soon as possible.

We will try our best to replace the tooth in its natural socket, but if damage is too severe then root canal therapy might be necessary.

Lost filling or crown:

When a crown or filling comes loose it’s often while eating. Once out of the mouth, the affected tooth can be very sensitive to temperature changes and pressure. Generally crowns become loose because of decay beneath the tooth. The decay causes shape changes in the teeth which can cause problems with the fit of the crown.

Make a dental appointment as soon as possible if you lose a dental crown or filling. Crowns can be reinserted so it is important to keep them in a cool, safe place. If the crown is out of the mouth for a long period of time, the teeth may shift and cause further damage.

Cracked or broken teeth:

Teeth are strong, but still prone to fractures. Sometimes cracks that don’t extend down into the root might cause minor discomfort when eating something hot. However, if it is a deeper injury and your tooth has been cracked or broken then you should see us as soon as possible because extraction might become necessary.

If a segment of your tooth has been broken off, here are some steps that can be taken at home:

• 1. Call our office at (613) 258-7373.
• 2. Rinse the tooth and mouth with lukewarm water.
• 3. Apply gauze to the area for ten minutes if there is bleeding.
• 4. Place a cool, damp cloth on the cheek to help with swelling and relieve any pain.
• 5. Take a topical pain reliever.

The nature of a tooth’s break or fracture will determine what we are able to do at our dental office. If the crack extends into the root, then this may be a situation where a root canal is needed. Though root canal treatment should only proceed when all other options have been exhausted.

Dislodged/loose teeth:

Your dentist will reposition the tooth and stabilize it. If the tooth fails to heal you may require a root canal. The process of a root canal helps to save the tooth by removing any bacteria in its interior so it can no longer cause pain but also prepares the mouth before installing crowns and bridges. If this procedure is done early enough there’s less risk of complications occurring in the future.

It is important to call our office immediately if you have a loose or dislodged tooth. Prior to getting to the office, use a cold compress and over-the-counter medications to relieve pain.

If you are experiencing a dental emergency please contact our office at (613) 258-7373.