Nitrous Oxide Sedation in Haslet, TX

If you have skipped dental visits due to your fear of the dentist, you could benefit from nitrous oxide sedation at Riley Dental. Our practice in Haslet, TX features nitrous oxide sedation for long, complex procedures and to comfort some individuals with extreme dental fears and anxieties during standard visits. Nitrous oxide (N₂O) gas is a proven sedation technique that helps you relax safely during your dental work. Also called laughing gas, N₂O is offered by Dr. Luke Riley to keep you comfortable while you remain awake. For anxious or stressed patients not undergoing surgery, Dr. Riley prefers to use his own progressive technique to reduce negative feelings and dental anxiety over time. He has had much success with this technique in helping patients overcome their fear of dental visits. Set up a consult with Dr. Riley to learn more about nitrous oxide and other sedation options during your dental visit.

N₂O is a very popular sedation technique that can be utilized with little risk on children and adults alike. Prior to approving the use of nitrous oxide, Dr. Riley will assess your current medications, medical history, and concerns to be sure that nitrous oxide gas is indeed a fit for you. Nitrous oxide sedation can be utilized for lengthy or simple procedures paired with a local anesthesia to help reduce potential pain. Nitrous oxide sedation can also be used for fear or anxieties toward dental work that prevent you from keeping your regular dental appointments. Nitrous oxide gas might not be right for you if you have extreme phobias, trouble breathing through your nose, COPD, or other similar health concerns.

Before the procedure begins, the nitrous oxide will be administered to you using a mask. As you inhale the gas, it will act quickly and begin taking effect. Dr. Riley or another member of his staff will observe your response to the gas as well as your vitals and adjust the medication as necessary during the appointment so you stay relaxed. You might notice a tingling sensation in your outer extremities and a feeling of warmth, vibration, and euphoria as the N₂O kicks in. Nitrous oxide is typically used alongside a local anesthetic like lidocaine to deaden sensation. After the procedure is done, the gas is shut off and the effects begin to fade immediately.

Recovery from nitrous oxide sedation is typically immediate because the medication is eliminated from the body in a matter of minutes. You will be ready to operate a vehicle and return to your daily activities as soon as you leave our facility. Side effects are not common, but you could experience chills, sweating, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, or headaches. Don't hesitate to call our staff if you have any questions or concerns. To reduce the chance of nausea, Dr. Riley recommends that you consume a small meal or light snack prior to your appointment and then wait around three hours after your appointment before consuming a heavy meal.

If you carry dental insurance, our team will call your carrier to obtain any potential benefits in regard to nitrous oxide sedation. This information will help us calculate your expected costs prior to your procedure. For those who don't carry dental insurance, Riley Dental offers several payment plans and access to third-party financing via CareCredit to help make your procedure more affordable.

Will I still feel pain with nitrous oxide sedation?
Nitrous oxide sedation may mitigate some pain, but it isn't an anesthetic. Any significant discomfort during a procedure will likely be managed with a local anesthetic. Nitrous oxide sedation is typically used to relax anxieties during a dental procedure or standard dental work.

Does nitrous oxide sedation work for children and adults?
Although results will vary based on the individual, nitrous oxide is safe for children. We will check with you for your child's medical history and walk through all the steps with you and your child before we proceed. For more information, schedule an appointment with Dr. Riley in Haslet, TX.

How long will it take for the nitrous oxide sedation method to start working?
For nitrous oxide sedation, the calming effects will be felt almost immediately, likely after 2 – 3 minutes.

How long does nitrous oxide sedation last?
After your dental work or cleaning is finished and the nitrous mask is removed, the effects should go away soon. Depending on how you feel following nitrous oxide sedation, you may be able to resume your daily routine or drive home from the Riley Dental office in Haslet, TX.

If you avoid regular dental appointments or you are dealing with oral discomfort due to fear of the dentist, please consider a consult with Dr. Riley for more information about nitrous oxide sedation at our dental practice in Haslet, TX. Dr. Riley and his skilled team will gladly answer your questions and ease your concerns about sedation at Riley Dental.