Nitrous Oxide & Oral Sedation Calgary

Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and oral sedation

If you feel uneasy about your dental visit and are looking for a safe alternative, you've come to the right place in Calgary. Cougar Ridge Dental can provide your dental care under Oral Moderate Sedation and Nitrous Oxide.

Your teeth can be fixed, sore gums restored, and your smile brightened without discomfort while you are almost asleep and relaxed through your appointment with Dr. Laura Boghian. Have years of dental treatment in just one appointment. No more hiding your smile behind your hand or putting up with pain.

If you have one or more of the following conditions, dental sedation can help you:

Fear and Anxiety
Low pain threshold or very sensitive teeth
Gag reflexes
Limited time to complete dental care or in need of an extensive treatment
Children and most special needs patients who cannot cooperate during a normal dental procedure can also benefit greatly from sedation.

Nitrous Oxide

This form of Conscious Sedation offered at Cougar Ridge Dental helps to ease anxiety and enhance procedural comfort.

Advantages of using nitrous oxide include the following:

The simplicity of adjusting the depth of sedation at any time during treatment to increase or decrease its effect.
There is no after effect such as a “hangover”.
Inhalation sedation is safe with no side effects on your heart and lungs. The biotransformation for nitrous oxide is only about 0.04%.
Inhalation sedation is very effective in minimizing gagging.
It works rapidly as it reaches the brain within 20 seconds. In as little as 2–3 minutes, its relaxation and pain-killing properties develop.
Reversal of nitrous oxide sedation is provided by administering 100% oxygen for about 5 minutes at the end of treatment.
No escort is required post-appointment.

Nitrous Oxide has been a means of sedation in dentistry for many years. Nitrous oxide is safe — the patient receives up to 70% nitrous with no less than 30% oxygen. It has been used by millions of patients around the world for dental and medical sedation.

You are able to breathe on your own and remain in control of all bodily functions. There is no need for someone to accompany you home after nitrous oxide administration. You will be able to walk or drive home unaccompanied. You may also experience mild amnesia and may fall asleep, not remembering all of what happened during the appointment.

Reasons to Not Use Nitrous Oxide

You should not use Nitrous Oxide if you have been diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Though there are no other major contraindications to using nitrous oxide, you may not want to use it if you have emphysema, exotic chest problems, M.S., a cold, or other difficulties with breathing. Claustrophobia is also a contraindication.

To ensure that you have a safe and comfortable experience during your treatment, it's important to fully understand the sedation method being used. If you have any doubts or concerns about nitrous oxide, I encourage you to reach out to Dr. Laura Boghian and ask for more details about the sedation options available to you.