Services
Nitrous oxide
Nitrous oxide is a gas you breathe through a small mask over your nose, mixed with oxygen, to take the edge off a visit. It is for people with mild to moderate nerves.
You stay awake and can talk. It is added to a visit you were having anyway, so it takes no extra appointment, and it wears off quickly when the mask comes off.
What happens
It adds a few minutes to a visit, and no extra visit.
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Step 1: We talk first
Your dentist asks about your health and medicines and answers your questions. Tell us if you have a cold or a stuffy nose, because the mask needs you to breathe through your nose.
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Step 2: The mask goes on
A small mask sits over your nose, and you breathe normally. Most people notice a warm, floaty, relaxed feeling within a few minutes.
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Step 3: The dental work
We do the treatment as planned and check on you often. We can raise or lower the gas if you ask. Raise your hand to pause.
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Step 4: Oxygen to finish
At the end you breathe pure oxygen for a few minutes. Your dentist checks how you feel before you leave.
Comfort, choices and care
Comfort
Nitrous oxide doesn't numb a tooth, so we numb the area as usual when treatment needs it. You can ask for a break, more time or a different level at any point.
Other choices, and waiting
You can have the visit with no sedation at a slower pace, or choose oral or IV sedation. A tooth that needs care rarely gets easier by waiting; we will show you what we see and what waiting could mean.
Risks and after-care
Some people feel nauseated, dizzy or have a headache, or dislike the mask. We lower or stop the gas if so. It isn't right for everyone, and we review your health first. Your dentist tells you at the visit whether you need a ride.
How it's billed
Nitrous oxide appears as its own line on your written estimate. Many dental plans pay little or nothing toward it, and we tell you before you decide.
How fees work
Questions about nitrous oxide
Will I be awake?
Yes. You can talk with us the whole time and you can raise your hand to pause.
Does it numb my teeth?
No. It relaxes you. We numb the area as usual when the treatment needs it.
Can I drive afterward?
Your dentist tells you at your visit, based on how you feel after the oxygen. If you are unsure, bring someone.
I can't breathe well through my nose. Can I still use it?
Tell us when you book. If the mask doesn't work for you, we talk about the other levels.
Provided by a general dentist
All three of our dentists give nitrous oxide.