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Nitrous Oxide Sedation – Carmichael, CA

Safe Sedation for Children and Adults

Female patient relaxed after nitrous oxide sedation in Carmichael, CA

Do you have a little one that’s extremely anxious about their upcoming surgery? Or are you perhaps dealing with your own fears regarding dental work? Dr. Ji has a variety of safe, gentle sedation options to offer, but for those with milder needs, he generally recommends nitrous oxide – a fast-acting sedative that will keep you in a pleasant mood during your visit. Call us today to learn more about nitrous oxide and how we use it to enhance your experience at our Carmichael practice.

Why Choose Sheng Ji, DDS, MD Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery for Nitrous Oxide Sedation?

  • Friendly, Professional Staff Members
  • A Surgeon with Medical and Dental Training
  • Patient Comfort is Always a Priority

How Does Nitrous Oxide Work?

Little boy about to receive nitrous oxide sedation

Compared to other sedatives, nitrous oxide is a bit more straightforward in how it works. We simply place a special mask over your nose, then titrate the gas to right concentration to provide you with a steady supply of nitrous oxide. This special gas will starts working very shortly after you first inhale it and invokes a general sense of calm and euphoria. By no means will you be rendered unconscious at any point; in fact, you’ll be able to answer Dr. Ji’s questions and follow any directions he might provide. Note that the level of sedation won’t necessarily be a constant throughout the procedure; we can decrease the level of sedation if we deem it necessary. You generally don’t need to fast to prepare for the procedure, although we may suggest that you refrain from eating for at least two hours beforehand.

What are the Benefits of Nitrous Oxide?

Girl in dental chair talking to her dentist
  • Full Consciousness: Despite your relaxed state, you’ll still be completely aware of your surroundings so that you can speak with Dr. Ji or any family members that happen to be nearby.
  • Quick Onset: You’ll start feeling the effects of nitrous oxide almost immediately as soon as you first start breathing it in.
  • No Needles: Nitrous oxide is delivered in a gas form, hence no needles are required, only requires a mask.
  • Reduce Gagging: Have you had trouble at the dentist’s office before because of a gag reflex that you couldn’t control? Nitrous oxide can help reduce gagging sensation.
  • Shorter Recovery Time: After using other forms of sedation, it’ll be some time before the effects completely wear off. With nitrous sedation, though, your full awareness will return after just five minutes.

What Can You Expect After the Procedure?

Young man in car giving thumbs up

One of the biggest advantages of using nitrous oxide is that it won’t disrupt the rest of your day. After the mask is taken away, you’ll simply have to wait a few minutes before you return to your regular mental state. You’ll be able to drive home by yourself, and you can go back to work immediately in order to continue your normal activities. If nausea or any other side effects do not dissipate over time, call our office.

Nitrous Oxide Sedation FAQs

Young man with questions about nitrous oxide sedation

Nitrous oxide is one of the most convenient ways to feel relaxed during your next procedure in our office. Still, you might want to know more about what to expect when you visit us as your sedation dentist near Citrus Heights. Below, we address some common questions that our patients wonder about. If you do not see the information you were hoping for, feel free to give us a call — we are always ready to personally assist you.

How Much Does Nitrous Oxide Cost?

The cost of nitrous oxide may depend on a few different factors, including the extent of your procedure and the oxygen to nitrogen ratio in the gas we administer. In general, nitrous oxide is one of the most affordable forms of sedation from a dentist near Citrus Heights. We will be happy to provide you with an itemized cost estimate before any procedure, including an estimate for the price of your sedation.

We are an insurance-friendly practice. If your policy covers nitrous oxide, we will be more than happy to help you file your claims and take advantage of your benefits.

What Does Nitrous Oxide Feel Like and Smell Like?

Many patients experience a tingling sensation in their body. Feelings of happiness are also common, which is why nitrous oxide is often referred to as “laughing gas.” Most importantly, it induces a feeling of relaxation. The gas is almost odorless, but it does have a slightly sweet smell. In some cases, a pleasant fragrance may be added to it to enhance the patient experience.

Are There Any Risks Associated with Nitrous Oxide?

Nitrous oxide is generally very safe. Occasionally, a patient will experience side effects. These might include sweating, a headache, nausea, and dizziness. A small percentage of people are allergic to nitrous oxide, so be sure to tell Dr. Ji or one of our staff members if you have had an adverse reaction to it in the past. Potential signs of an allergic reaction include fever, chills, difficulty breathing, and hives.

Which Procedures Is Nitrous Oxide Used For?

When you visit our practice, we will evaluate your needs before determining which type of sedation is right for you. If you require a particularly extensive or complex procedure, a more powerful form of sedation than nitrous oxide might be best. However, if your surgery will be relatively simple and quick, nitrous oxide may be recommended. We will also account for things like your medical history and personal preferences when we are determining which type of sedation to administer.

I’m Pregnant — Can I Be Sedated with Nitrous Oxide?

Nitrous oxide is classified as a pregnancy risk category C medication, which means that risks for fetuses cannot be totally ruled out. However, in many cases, the rewards of using a category C medication outweigh the potential risks. In general, we recommend that pregnant individuals wait until after giving birth to undergo oral surgery. Of course, if you have an urgent need for oral surgery — such as if an impacted wisdom tooth is causing severe pain or threatening your overall health — you should certainly request an appointment with us sooner rather than later.