Nitrous Oxide Sedation in Houston, TX

Patients of all ages may feel anxious or nervous about visiting the dentist. At Made Ya Smile Spring Cypress, our dentist and team work hard to make your dental care comfortable, pleasant, and even enjoyable. For our patients who have minor dental anxiety or fear, we can provide nitrous oxide (N₂O) gas, which is commonly referred to as "laughing gas." Conscious sedation can calm your nerves, and this gas will leave you feeling relaxed and at ease during your visit. Nitrous oxide gas has no after-effects and is a safe solution for both routine cleanings and restorative care for children, teens, and adults. It will not put you to sleep and you will be able to drive home right after your appointment. If your fear is getting in the way of getting the care you need for a beautiful smile, schedule an appointment at our Houston, TX office to learn more about nitrous oxide sedation.

Patients at any age can be a good candidate for nitrous oxide gas, which is a mild but effective sedation option. Before we move forward with this sedation dentistry option, our team will check your medical and dental histories and chat with you about your dental anxiety. Our dentist uses nitrous oxide gas alongside a gentle local anesthetic to put you at ease during your care. If nitrous oxide gas is the right sedation option for you, we may offer this service during routine cleanings, oral surgeries, restorative procedures, or anytime you are feeling anxious about your visit with us for dental care. If you have a severe dental phobia or health concerns like COPD or other respiratory issues, nitrous oxide gas may not be recommended.

A small mask that fits comfortably over your nose will be placed and you will breathe the nitrous oxide gas normally through your nose starting a few minutes before we start your treatment. The effects will begin shortly after we administer the nitrous oxide gas. You will experience a relaxed and happy feeling, but most patients do not fall asleep. A calming warmth and tingling sensation in your feet and hands may also be present. We will monitor the gas and adjust the volume as needed so you can remain relaxed and at ease during your visit. Depending on your dental health needs, our dentist may use a local anesthetic to numb your mouth and keep you comfortable. After the gas is stopped at the end of your procedure, you will breathe in oxygen through the mask to restore your levels to normal. You will begin to feel normal within minutes as the effects of nitrous oxide gas dissipate.

There are no lingering side effects of nitrous oxide gas as it is expelled from your body within 3 – 5 minutes after the gas is stopped. Immediately following your visit you can drive and go about your normal routine. You should avoid eating until any numbness has completely worn off. Most patients feel normal and do not notice any side effects from nitrous oxide sedation, but there is a small chance you may experience a headache, chills, fatigue, nausea or vomiting. You can reduce the chance of feeling nauseous by eating a light snack or small meal before your visit and avoiding large quantities of food for three hours or so after your visit.

To find out if nitrous oxide sedation is a covered benefit, our office staff will contact your insurance provider to examine your specific coverage options. We want your family to get needed care in the most comfortable way possible, so if dental anxiety is keeping you from visiting the dentist, let us help you find a financial solution to fit the cost of nitrous oxide sedation into your budget. At Made Ya Smile Spring Cypress, we accept several easy payment options and work with CareCredit® to offer low-interest financing options to our patients.

Even if you are nervous about treatment, you and your loved ones can get the dental care you need for confident, healthy smiles. Made Ya Smile Spring Cypress in Houston, TX is happy to offer relaxing nitrous oxide gas to calm your nerves and help you relax. A mild sedative, laughing gas dissipates quickly and carries no side effects. Our dentist can help you decide if nitrous oxide gas is the right sedation solution to improve your comfort during routine cleanings or restorative treatment procedures. Call our Houston, TX family practice today to schedule your next visit and learn about the benefits of relaxing nitrous oxide sedation.