
Manage Your Dental Anxiety With Nitrous Oxide
Laughing gas, also known as nitrous oxide, is a highly reliable and safe dental sedation option designed to alleviate pain and significantly reduce dental anxiety for patients of all ages. This odorless, colorless gas offers light sedation that wears off quickly, so you can comfortably resume your daily routine immediately after your dental appointment.
Contrary to common myths, nitrous oxide doesn’t put you to sleep—instead, it effectively promotes relaxation by significantly lowering pain sensitivity, the gag reflex, and anxiety.
What Happens During Nitrous Oxide Sedation?
Pre-Treatment Evaluation
Before beginning nitrous oxide sedation, your doctor carefully reviews your medical history to ensure this safe dental sedation option is right for you. Nitrous oxide may not be recommended if you are in the early stages of pregnancy (first trimester), have respiratory conditions, are deficient in vitamin B-12, have a history of substance addiction, or experience mental health disorders. This thorough evaluation maximizes the benefits of nitrous oxide sedation while keeping you safe.
Quick and Efficient Administration
The nitrous oxide sedation process is designed for both speed and comfort. Your doctor will fit you with a mask over your nose and mouth, guiding you to breathe steadily and relax. Once it is confirmed that nitrous oxide is appropriate for you, the treatment begins immediately. To ensure that all the gas is cleared from your system, your doctor administers at least five minutes of pure oxygen after the procedure. This rapid dissipation of nitrous oxide is one of its key medical benefits, making it a popular choice in dental practices.
Post-Treatment Care
After your dental procedure, the calming effects of nitrous oxide quickly fade once the mask is removed—even if you still feel numb from a local anesthetic. This rapid recovery means you can safely return to work and resume your regular activities, including eating, without delay. By focusing on safety, efficiency, and quick recovery, nitrous oxide sedation offers a reliable way to manage dental anxiety and enhance your overall dental care experience.
The Cost of Nitrous Oxide Treatment in Las Vegas
In Las Vegas, the cost of nitrous oxide treatment can vary significantly based on your insurance coverage. For patients without insurance, the treatment may cost $1500 or more. However, many insurance plans cover this procedure completely, so your out-of-pocket expenses typically range from $0 to around $80 or slightly higher, depending on the specifics of your plan.
This cost-effectiveness makes nitrous oxide treatment not only a safe and efficient way to manage dental anxiety but also a financially accessible option for many patients. For the most accurate and personalized estimate, we recommend reaching out to your insurance provider before scheduling your appointment at our dental clinic.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our experienced team takes the time to thoroughly review each patient’s medical history, ensuring that sedation dentistry is a safe and appropriate option for you. This careful evaluation guarantees that every sedation treatment is tailored to your specific needs, enhancing both safety and comfort.
Patients often experience a subtle tingling sensation as the sedation begins, which quickly leads to a deep sense of relaxation and mild drowsiness. Many also report temporary, light amnesia, meaning you may remember very little about the procedure—a benefit that can make your visit more stress-free and comfortable.
If you’re feeling anxious about sedation, know that most sedation dentistry methods do not involve putting you completely to sleep. Instead, they are designed to help you achieve a state of deep relaxation. This approach not only reduces anxiety but often results in little to no memory of the procedure, making your experience as calm and positive as possible.
Yes, it is essential to have a friend or family member drive you home after your sedation treatment. This precaution allows you ample time for the sedation to wear off completely and gives your body the necessary opportunity to recover before you resume your normal activities.
After your dental procedure, we recommend taking the day off to rest. While the initial drowsiness usually fades within 2 to 8 hours—depending on the type of sedation used—it can take up to 24 hours for your body to fully recover. This period ensures that all sedation effects have dissipated, allowing you to safely return to your everyday routine.
Absolutely. Sedation dentistry can be an excellent option for children, particularly if they experience anxiety or require extensive dental work. Our dental team carefully evaluates each child’s health and medical history to select the best sedation method, ensuring their comfort and safety throughout the procedure.
Yes, you will remain awake during your procedure. Sedation dentistry is designed to help you feel calm and relaxed without the need for full anesthesia. You will be conscious and able to communicate with your dentist, all while experiencing significantly reduced anxiety and stress.
