Inhaled Minimal Sedation

A fear of the dentist is more common than you might think. Many people feel stress or anxiety when visiting the dentist, particularly if you’re receiving a new procedure. At Mill Dam Dental Care, we believe that getting important dental care shouldn’t be painful or stressful. That’s why we offer sedation dentistry in Virginia Beach – to help you feel more comfortable. One of our popular sedation options is inhaled minimal sedation. Let’s take a look at how inhaled minimal sedation works and what to expect from this sedation option.

What is Inhaled Minimal Sedation?

Inhaled minimal sedation uses nitrous oxide to help you relax. It is sometimes known as “laughing gas”. Of the dental sedation options available, inhaled minimal sedation is the least intense, so it is easier to use for routine procedures.

The gas is delivered directly to the patient through a nose piece or mask. Patients inhale the gas and feel its effects quickly, reducing anxiety and physical tension. While sedated, you’ll still be able to move and respond to what’s happening around you, but you’ll feel much more relaxed than normal. You may also feel euphoric or giggly, although this gas affects everyone differently. It wears off quickly after the appointment, allowing you to return to your normal routine right away.

Comparing Your Sedation Options

Inhaled minimal sedation is just one of many sedation options available for dental patients. Prior to your procedure, the dental team will talk through your options with you and help you make a selection that is most appropriate for your needs.

Inhaled minimal sedation creates a sense of relaxation and helps you stay calm during stressful situations. Unlike other forms of sedation, it does not completely put you to sleep. As a result, dentists often recommend nitrous oxide for procedures that are mildly stressful or invasive, but still require you to be responsive.

For situations where inhaled minimal sedation isn’t enough, but the patient still needs to be somewhat responsive, there are moderate sedation alternatives, which are usually delivered orally. The most common moderate sedation in dentistry is a pill called Halcion, which will make you feel very drowsy during the procedure but will not make you completely unconscious.

The effects of moderate sedation last much longer than the effects of inhaled minimal sedation. This means if you’re receiving oral sedation, you may still feel groggy after the appointment and will need someone to help you get home. However, the dental staff will carefully choose the dosage to make sure it is appropriate for your size and sedation needs.

For particularly invasive procedures, moderate sedation may not be enough. In these cases, general anesthesia is used instead. With general anesthesia, you’ll be completely unconscious for the entire procedure and won’t be able to feel what’s happening. It takes time for the effects to wear off completely, and you will need someone to take you home and help you recover.

When to Use Inhaled Minimal Sedation

There are many instances where inhaled minimal sedation is beneficial for dental treatment. This form of sedation is particularly common for procedures that are slightly more invasive than your standard cleaning. For example, you may receive nitrous oxide when getting a filling, tooth extraction, or root canal.

Inhaled minimal sedation is often paired with local anesthesia to keep you relaxed and relieve pain during treatment. Many patients prefer inhaled minimal sedation to more moderate sedation options as it wears off very quickly. This means you can usually drive yourself home after the procedure.

There are also times where inhaled sedation can be beneficial for routine cleanings. Some patients have a very severe phobia of the dentist, which prevents them from seeking treatment. Using nitrous oxide can help phobic patients relax enough to get through routine appointments, giving them access to the crucial care they need.

Additionally, inhaled minimal sedation can be very beneficial for patients of all ages with disabilities or special needs that make going to the dentist challenging. Nitrous oxide helps these patients relax during a potentially stressful appointment so they can feel more comfortable in the dentist’s office.

Finally, dentists may recommend nitrous oxide for patients with a very strong gag reflex. Since nitrous oxide is physically relaxing, it helps patients stay still during the appointment so the dentist can work efficiently.

What To Expect With Inhaled Minimal Sedation

The process of receiving inhaled minimal sedation is generally very simple and straightforward. You may want to avoid eating a very large meal prior to your appointment, as mild nausea is a side effect of nitrous oxide for some patients. However, you will not need to do a complete fast like you would with other forms of anesthesia.

Before treatment starts, our team will give you a run-through of the upcoming procedure, letting you know exactly what to expect. You’ll also have an opportunity to ask questions during this time. Nitrous oxide is delivered through a mask. Our team will fit the mask securely to your face. Once the nitrous oxide starts flowing, all you’ll need to do is breathe normally. Within a few minutes, you’ll feel the full effects of the sedation.

With nitrous oxide, you’ll still be fully awake and aware of what’s happening around you, and you’ll be able to respond to the dentist’s instructions. However, you will feel very physically and mentally relaxed. You may feel a sensation of heaviness, like you are sinking into the dentist’s chair. Some people also feel giggly or euphoric while receiving treatment. Nitrous oxide can also help reduce any discomfort the treatment causes.

The effects of nitrous oxide usually last for less than 30 minutes. If your treatment lasts for longer than that, the dentist will provide you with more gas. Since the effects wear off so quickly, you will be able to go home and return to your normal routine without any assistance.