For many, going to the dentist can be a real nightmare. Past experiences can cause  intense fear, leading some of us to call ourselves true dental phobic patients who avoid treatment because of our extreme anxiety. Fortunately, conscious sedation exists! It consists of a mask that administers a mixture of oxygen and nitrous oxide, helping you relax and make time pass by more quickly.

Nitrous oxide, combined with oxygen, is a safe and effective way to manage pain, anxiety and the gag reflex during dental procedures when used properly. This colorless, odorless gas has been used in surgical and dental anesthesia since the mid-1800s. Commonly known as “conscious sedation” or “nitrous oxide sedation,” it is the most widely used type of gaseous anesthetic in the world.

Nitrous oxide acts rapidly and is unique among inhalation agents because it moves through the blood as a free gas, without binding to hemoglobin or undergoing transformation. It is eliminated from the body by exhalation, allowing rapid removal because of its low solubility.

When combined with sedative drugs, the mixture of inhaled nitrous oxide and oxygen can induce various levels of sedation, from minimal to profound.With this technology, patients can approach dental treatment with greater peace of mind.