Dental fear or anxiety is the number one reason why people avoid going to the dentist. According to the National Institute of Health, more than 20 million Americans do not go to the dentist due to fear. Some reasons include pain, receiving local anesthesia, negative past experiences, and financial concerns. Our office is trained to alleviate your anxiety by making sure you know exactly what to expect and to offer you options to make you more comfortable.

Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide, or “laughing gas”, is a safe and effective agent inhaled along with oxygen to help make you feel more comfortable in the dental chair and is the most commonly used sedation technique in dentistry. It helps to reduce pain and provides a relaxed, tingly feeling while you are still able to respond to stimulations. Nitrous is best recommended for those with mild anxiety. Those with higher levels with anxiety will need deeper levels of sedation.

Pros: safe, fast acting within a few minutes, easy to adjust to the proper concentration, speedy recovery afterwards so you can drive to and from the office yourself

Cons: doesn’t work on those who are severely anxious, some may feel nauseous or uncomfortable, if you are congested or have difficulty breathing may not inhale an adequate amount, contraindications include pregnant women, children under 3, those with nasal obstruction, chronic respiratory conditions