Nitrous Oxide Sedation in Galveston, TX

As a premier facility in Galveston, TX, MINT dentistry uses state-of-the-art technology and techniques to help you get a sexy smile without stress or discomfort. Our experienced dentists often meet with patients who want to have sexy teeth but are nervous because of dentophobia (fear of the dentist). If fear is keeping you from a healthy, attractive smile, MINT dentistry wants to help. Our modern practice in Galveston, TX uses sedation methods like nitrous oxide gas for both routine cleanings and longer procedures to help keep patients comfortable throughout their visit. A safe and effective sedation method, nitrous oxide (N₂O) helps you relax safely without a groggy feeling after. Also called laughing gas, nitrous oxide sedation is offered by MINT dentistry's board-certified doctors to keep you comfortable, but still be conscious. Schedule an appointment at our office to learn about adding nitrous oxide gas during your appointment.

In most dental practices, nitrous oxide gas is among the most popular sedation methods. Nitrous oxide sedation can be safely used on most patients, both adults and children. During your consultation, your dentist will ask about your current medications, medical history, as well as any questions or concerns you may have to make sure nitrous oxide is the best option. Nitrous oxide sedation may be offered during most procedures and is typically used along with a local anesthetic to make you fully comfortable. Nitrous oxide gas can also be added to dental cleanings and exams if you have anxiety or fears about the dentist that make these appointments stressful. Nitrous oxide sedation may not be used if you have trouble breathing, extreme dentophobia, have COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), or another medical condition.

To begin your appointment, we will ask you to lay back in a massaging treatment chair, then you can put on a pair of Beats headphones and MINT sunglasses to help you relax further. Once you are ready, a nasal hood will be placed over your face to administer the nitrous oxide gas. While you breathe normally to inhale the gas, it should start to take effect quickly. Your team will watch your response to the sedation and vital signs, so they can adjust the amount of gas during your appointment to keep you relaxed. It's normal to feel tingling in your legs and arms, plus a feeling of warmth, vibration, or mild euphoria as the sedation starts to work. Nitrous oxide is typically combined with lidocaine or another local anesthesia to numb the treated areas. After your procedure is done, we will turn off the gas and the effects will wear off quickly as the nitrous oxide leaves your system.

Nitrous oxide sedation usually needs a very short recovery period as the gas is out of your system after a few minutes. You will be allowed to drive and get back to your regular day after your appointment. Most patients have no side effects, but it is possible to experience temporary chills, sweating, headaches, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting. Contact our office if your side effects last longer than three days or if you have any concerns. To reduce your risk of vomiting and nausea, we suggest you eat a small snack before your appointment and then wait a minimum of three hours to eat again.

For patients who are using insurance, our front office will speak to your provider to confirm your benefits regarding sedation. Once we know this, we can calculate your personal costs. For patients who don't have insurance, MINT dentistry takes several payment methods, including low-interest medical financing, to make your procedure and nitrous oxide sedation easier to afford. At MINT dentistry, we are dedicated to helping you get your dream smile without fear or discomfort. If you don't have dental insurance, ask your dentist for more information on the MINT Discount Plan, which can help make it easier to afford both your procedure and any needed sedation, like nitrous oxide gas.

Rather than skipping bi-annual cleanings and ignoring toothaches because of anxiety or fear of the dentist, please contact us to find out more about sedation methods like nitrous oxide gas at MINT dentistry in Galveston, TX. Our experienced team will address your concerns and answer any questions about using sedation with nitrous oxide gas at our practice in Galveston, TX.