Nitrous Oxide and Oral Conscious Sedation in Dallas

Do you experience high levels of anxiety when visiting the dentist? You may benefit from nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, or a combination of both. Our providers are board-certified to administer nitrous oxide or/and oral conscious sedation, helping ensure a less stressful dental experience tailored to your needs.

Advantages for Patients:

• Relaxation: Treatment is completed while you are in a calm and relaxed state.
• Improved Tolerance: Longer procedures become easier to sit through.
• Efficiency: Multiple treatments, including full-mouth restorations, can often be completed in a single visit.
• Comfort: Reduced discomfort during and after treatment.

Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide is a colorless, odorless, sweet-smelling gas that has been used in surgical and dental anesthesia since the mid-1800s. Patients often describe feelings such as warmth, tingling in the hands or feet, or a sensation of lightness or heaviness in the limbs.

Our practice uses portable tanks on wheeled stands for flexibility between operatories. Nitrous oxide-oxygen delivery systems limit the gas to a maximum of 70% nitrous oxide and 30% oxygen, ensuring the patient receives at least 9% more oxygen than in normal room air.

Absolute Contraindications:

Nitrous oxide should not be used if you have:

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Recent air in the brain (e.g., after surgery or trauma)
• Suspected or known pernicious anemia or vitamin B12 deficiency
• Pregnancy (first trimester)
• Significant bowel obstruction
• Cancer treatment with bleomycin sulfate
• Current use of psychotropic drugs
• Current or recovering drug use/addiction

Anti-Anxiety Medications

Anti-anxiety medications, commonly prescribed in dentistry, often belong to the benzodiazepine family. Examples include Valium, Halcion, Xanax, and Ativan. These medications work by calming "fear receptors" in the brain, creating a sense of relaxation.

Types of Benzodiazepines:

1. Sedative-Hypnotics: Induce calm, drowsiness, and sometimes sleep. This sleep-like state is a form of physiological hypnosis.
2. Anti-Anxiety Drugs: Relieve anxiety and promote relaxation without necessarily causing drowsiness.

While benzodiazepines can act as both sedatives and anti-anxiety agents, higher doses tend to induce sedation, whereas lower doses reduce anxiety without significant drowsiness.

Important Considerations:

• CNS Depressants: Benzodiazepines can lower blood pressure and breathing. They should never be mixed with other CNS depressants like alcohol.
• Dosage: Always follow the dosage recommended by your dentist or doctor to avoid the risk of overdose, which can dangerously suppress breathing, potentially leading to coma or death.
• Transportation: You should not travel alone after taking these medications. Arrange for an escort, even if you typically walk or take public transit, as disorientation is possible.

When to Avoid Benzodiazepines:

Inform your dentist if you have any of the following conditions:

• Known allergy to the medication
• Narrow-angle glaucoma
• Pregnancy
• Severe respiratory diseases such as COPD
• Congestive heart failure (CHF)
• Impaired liver or kidney function
• Depression, bipolar disorder, or psychoses
• Chronic bronchitis

Additionally, disclose any other medications you are taking to avoid potential drug interactions.