Nitrous Oxide Dental
Are you afraid of the dentist? That's OK! We get it! No need to be apologetic or embarrassed.
The fear of dentists is a common one and many people are scared of the dentist. The good news is that there is Nitrous Oxide Dental available.
Nitrous Oxide Dental
(Laughing Gas)
We have nitrous oxide sedation (laughing gas) available to help you feel more relaxed at the dentist!
Nitrous Oxide Dental - What is nitrous oxide?
Nitrous oxide dental as the name suggests uses nitrous oxide gas, which works by you breathing in a mixture of Oxygen and Nitrous Oxide through a nose mask. Within a couple of minutes the relaxation and pain relieving effects of the gas take effect. People who are afraid of needles get a lot of comfort from the laughing gas. Nitrous Oxide is known colloquially as laughing gas or happy gas as the 'happy gas' interacts with the brains neurotransmitters - the big one for us being dopamine, giving you a relaxed and euphoric feeling. Yes nitrous oxide is known to make people laugh!
Nitrous Oxide Dental - Can I drive home afterwards?
Yes! Just as quickly as the gas works, it wears off too! You are even able to drive home straight after! This is very big benefit of nitrous oxide dental when compared to the other options for sedation (described below), which all require 24 hours of no driving.
How will I feel with the laughing gas?
Nitrous is primarily a pain reliever, so you feel less pain (Yay!). The effects of nitrous oxide in addition to making you feel more relaxed, is that the gas can also make you feel a little light, or a little heavy, and some people's finger's can go a little tingly. It is slightly different for everyone. The main benefits reported by patients partaking in nitrous oxide however are the anti anxiety and analgesic effects. The sensation can be similar to having a couple of alcoholic drinks. So, if you don't like that feeling of light headedness, maybe one of the other sedation options will be better for you!
Will I still need a needle?
Most of the time, yes! The beauty of the nitrous oxide is that it takes a lot of the pain out of the injection, and because you're more relaxed, you're not bothered by the needle anyhow!
Is it safe?
Nitrous oxide is completely safe and the gas nitrous oxide is one of the safest sedatives available. There are very few candidates who are not suitable for nitrous oxide sedation (including very young children as they often have trouble keeping the nose mask on!). Nitrous Oxide is great for shorter treatments.
Side effects of nitrous oxide?
Are there any side effects of nitrous oxide? Occasionally people can feel a bit nauseous, and very occasionally vomit. There are no known long term side effects.
Sounds good! Book me in!
Nitrous oxide is a wonderful option for children and adults alike. We have the gas on hand at all times as it's plumbed into our rooms, so if you'd like to try it please let us know when you're booking your appointment.
What are the fees and does my private health insurance cover it?
The fee for nitrous oxide sedation is $85 per 30minutes or part thereof.
The amount of cover your receive from a nitrous oxide treatment from your private health insurance depends on your insurer and your level of cover. The item code for inhalation sedation is 943.
Let Dentista be your happy gas dentist!
Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas) Sedation Dental for Dental Procedures
Sedation Dental
If laughing gas isn't for you, don't worry! Sedation dental is a vast topic on it's own and there are many other options for you to receive dental treatment without anxiety. Sedation dental can come in oral sedation or intravenous sedation. Dentista has a special interest in sedation dental, with our plumbed in nitrous oxide rooms, but we also assist patients with both oral and IV sedation which we will discuss below.
Sedation Dental - Oral Sedation
If you don't think Nitrous Oxide is for you, or you would like to be sedated for a longer period of time then Oral Sedation may be for you.
Oral Sedation is usually a prescription of a benzodiazepine (such as Valium or Temazepam). The tablets are taken an hour before your procedure.
Sedation Dental - Can I drive?
No! You are not able to drive once you have had the tablets for 24 hours. Because you take the tablets an hour prior to your procedure, this means you will need someone to bring you to your appointment, and someone to bring you home (not a ride share like Uber/Ola/Didi).
How will I feel with the oral sedation?
Most people feel more relaxed and less anxious! You stay awake and are able to talk and communicate when you have taken oral sedation.
Sedation Dental - Is it safe?
Yes it is safe for most adults unless you have had an adverse reaction to benzodiazepines before.
What are the side effects?
The most common side effects people can feel are drowsiness and tiredness.
Sounds good! Book me in!
If you suffer from anxiety about a dental procedure and would like to use a form of sedation dental then let us know and we can see if you are suitable for oral sedation. If you are, then we will provide you with a script.
What are the fees and does my private health insurance cover it?
There is no specific dental fee for oral sedation. We provide you with a script and you purchase the tablets from the pharmacy.
Sedation Dental - Intravenous (IV) Sedation
Sedation dental through Intravenous Sedation is a great option for people who need a little more relaxation than the Oral Sedation. We get in a doctor to our rooms to perform the IV sedation and keep a close eye on you while we go ahead and do your dental treatment.
Sedation Dental with IV - Can I drive?
No! You need a responsible adult to bring you and take you home, and then be with you for 24 hours after your procedure.
How will I feel with the intravenous sedation?
IV sedation puts you into a dream-like state of calm relaxation, for the whole of your treatment. Most people have no recollection or memory of the procedure. You still breathe and swallow on your own.
Is it safe?
Yes, however not all people are suitable for IV sedation. If you have a lung condition, or are obese, you may prefer to have your treatment in a hospital.
What are the side effects?
The most common side effects people can feel are drowsiness and tiredness.
Sounds good! Book me in!
If you suffer from anxiety about a dental procedure and wish to use this form of sedation dental then let us know and we can see if you are suitable for IV sedation. If you are, then we will organise you to get in touch with the IV sedation Doctor. We will then find a time that suits all 3 of us and go from there!
What are the fees and does my private health insurance cover it?
The fees for IV sedation are payable to the IV sedation doctor, and are usually charged by the hour. Approximate costs range from $1000-$1500 with $220-$370 rebate from Medicare. You may receive private health insurance cover for anaesthesia at a dental centre as an outpatient.
Sedation Dental - Final Thoughts
As a Health Care Provider, it is important to us that you feel relaxed and are not anxious when you think of going to the dentist. The fear of dentists has been around for a long time, but due to technological improvements over the years, there is no reason for you to feel anxious or scared of the dentist. Please ask us about the options available and take advantage of the improvements in Nitrous Oxide Dental and sedation dental.