3 Things You Should Know About Nitrous Oxide Use in Dentistry  

Nitrous oxide is often referred to as laughing gas in everyday speech, but for many, the practice is likely more well known from sitcoms or movies. The storylines can mask the real benefits of the treatment and how it can help you through difficult procedures. If you’re interested in sedation dentistry in Long Beach, CA, we’ll look at how the gas works and when it’s used.

It’s Used for Anxiety and Pain

Nitrous oxide and oxygen is a proven and effective way to manage both pain and nerves during procedures. As long as it’s administered and used appropriately, this non-toxic, colorless gas can come as a comfort to people who might avoid the dentist otherwise. This is by no means a brand-new technology, but modern dentists have found a way to integrate it into their practice to ensure patients are comfortable during their procedures. Patients who have it are less likely to perceive pain because it temporarily blocks a specific pathway in the brain.

It Doesn’t Put You to Sleep

Sedatives are often associated with sleep, but nitrous oxide is used to make people more comfortable. It gets its name because on first applications, people giggle when they  inhale it. Today’s mixtures are more calibrated and designed to limit the odds of side effects, like nausea or sweating. It’s important to know what you’re signing up for when it comes to sedation dentistry, as there are a number of options available.

The Right Dentist in Long Beach Can Help

Radiography, photos, laser dentistry, sterilization centers: not every dentist will have the same skills or tools available. If you’re interested in a certain type of treatment, whether because you know that it works for you or because you want to try it out, it’s important to look for someone who can accommodate your requests. The staff and dentist who work with the nitrous oxide will ultimately determine your results. If you’re looking for a dentist in Long Beach, CA that can work with you, the office of Andy Tang is here to help. Contact us to learn more about our state-of-the-art technology and how it helps our patients achieve oral health without the anxiety.