Sedation Dentistry

There is no shame in admitting that dental treatments cause you to experience anxiety. It is a very common issue that many people share. At Amber Hills Dental, we make it our goal to provide a caring, calm atmosphere to put our patients at ease. We offer cozy treatment rooms, wireless headphones and access to Netflix shows on a flat screen TV. Yet even with all our efforts, we know some patients need a little more help to relax. We offer sedation dentistry that can help ensure our patients have a completely pain and stress-free experience when coming to us for their dental care.

Nitrous Oxide

For those with mild to moderate dental anxiety, a safe and effective sedation method is the use of nitrous oxide. This has been referred to as ‘laughing gas’ for many decades, putting patients at ease while they receive their dental care. This sedation can be used for children or adults, allowing them to relax while their treatments are performed. Patients are awake while under the effects of the gas and can still communicate freely. Once the gas is removed from the breathing apparatus, a few deep breaths of fresh air dissipates the nitrous oxide from the body and the mind is clear again.

Our team at Amber Hills Dental is happy to offer sedation dentistry to make our patients comfortable and stress-free. Contact our office today to learn more about our sedation and other dental services.

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How safe is nitrous oxide sedation?

Nitrous oxide is considered very safe for both adults and children when administered by a trained dental professional. Before nitrous oxide is added to a patient’s treatment plan, our team always reviews their medical history, their current health status, and any medications they are taking to ensure that this type of sedation will be safe and effective for them. Patient safety is our top priority!

Is nitrous oxide sedation covered by dental insurance?

Whether nitrous oxide is covered by dental insurance depends on your specific plan. Some insurance policies cover nitrous oxide sedation, especially if it’s deemed medically necessary for procedures or if the patient experiences high anxiety. However, it may not be covered for routine dental treatments. It’s best to contact your insurance provider or dental office to verify coverage and understand any out-of-pocket costs.

Will I feel any pain with nitrous oxide?

With nitrous oxide sedation, you should feel relaxed and comfortable throughout the procedure, but it may not completely eliminate pain. For this reason, nitrous oxide is often used in combination with a local anesthetic to numb the area being treated. While the sedation helps reduce anxiety and makes you feel calm, the local anesthetic ensures that you won’t feel pain during the dental procedure.

What are the side effects of nitrous oxide?

The side effects of nitrous oxide are generally mild and short-lived. Some patients may experience nausea, dizziness, or headaches during or after the procedure. Most side effects subside quickly once the gas is turned off, and patients typically recover within minutes after the procedure ends. If you have any questions post-treatment or you develop a fever or prolonged symptoms, please contact our office.