At SoCal Smiles Dentistry, we take great care when treating patients in and around the greater Rancho Santa Margarita area. While advanced restorative dentistry means reduced pain and great results, many patients still suffer from serious dental anxiety. That’s why we’re pleased to offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas) sedation. Let’s look into these matters in a bit more detail right now.

About Dental Anxiety

Dental anxiety refers to instances in which a person feels very nervous and frightened when they are at the dentist’s office.

While some patients may experience a general sense of worry about dental visits, there are others who will experience panic attacks and severe stress over the prospect of undergoing dental care.

Why Dental Anxiety Needs to Be Taken Seriously

When a person suffers from dental anxiety, they are less likely to want to visit the dentist. This is because they want to avoid experiencing that stress and fear whenever possible. As a consequence, a patient may skip years and years of dental care, allowing minor dental health issues to progress into major ones. This could mean cavities allowed to result in tooth loss and much more serious matters.

Dental Sedation Is Safe and Effective

In order to address dental anxiety, one of the ideal options to consider is dental sedation. This refers to various methods that dentists can use to help patients reach a calm, relaxed, and tranquil state of mind.

Ideal for General Calm as Well as Addressing Dental Anxiety

Keep in mind that sedation dentistry is not just for people who suffer from dental anxiety. Sedation dentistry is effective for achieving a state of calm in all patients, which can be very helpful when patients need to undergo treatment for cavities or more advanced forms of dental therapy.

One of the most simple and effective sedation dentistry options is nitrous oxide sedation.

How Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas) Sedation Works

Nitrous oxide sedation involves inhaling nitrous oxide gas in a carefully controlled and monitored setting under the supervision of a dentist and/or a dental hygienist. The nitrous oxide is inhaled until the patient’s lips and toes feel numb. This will allow the patient to achieve a very relaxed and stress-free state.

The Advantages of Nitrous Oxide Sedation

Nitrous oxide sedation is great because:

• No needles/injections are involved
• The gas is flavorless and odorless
• Patient safety is carefully checked

Patients will also be conscious yet relaxed while they are under nitrous oxide sedation, allowing them to communicate with the dentist as needed.

Other Ways We Reduce Anxiety at the Dental Practice

In addition to using nitrous oxide sedation, the team at our practice is also keen on offering a friendly and patient chairside manner, and answering all questions in full detail. This attention to comfort, friendliness, and patient education often helps reduce stress or fear that a patient may experience, contributing to a positive experience overall.

Learn More About Nitrous Oxide and Dental Anxiety

If you would like to learn more about nitrous oxide sedation and how it can help reduce your fear and anxiety during a dental visit, be sure to contact our cosmetic and restorative dentistry center today. The entire team here at SoCal Smiles Dentistry looks forward to help you have a smile that’s as healthy and beautiful as possible.