Nitrous Oxide Sedation in Houston Heights

As part of our commitment to our patients, MINT dentistry is a modern practice that 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 would like to improve their oral health 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 Houston, TX uses sedation methods like nitrous oxide gas for dental treatments and 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 with one of our board-certified dentists to get more information about adding nitrous oxide gas at your next visit.

Laughing gas or nitrous oxide is among the most popular sedation methods. Nitrous oxide sedation can be safely used on most patients. During your consultation, your team of dental professionals will ask about your medical history, current medications and conditions, 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 so you are relaxed and comfortable. Nitrous oxide gas can also be added to dental exams and cleanings if you have anxiety or fears about the dentist that make these appointments stressful. Nitrous oxide sedation may not be recommended if you have trouble breathing, extreme fear, have COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), or another serious medical condition that affects your breathing.

For your appointment, we will invite you to settle into one of our massaging treatment chairs, then you can put on a pair of Beats headphones and MINT sunglasses. When you are settled in and 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 relax you within moments. Your team of MINT dentistry professionals 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 and comfortable. Most patients feel tingling in their limbs, plus a feeling of warmth, vibration, or mild euphoria as the nitrous oxide gas begins to work. Nitrous oxide is generally combined with lidocaine or another local anesthesia to numb the area(s) being treated. After your procedure is finished, we will turn off the gas and the nitrous oxide quickly leaves your system so you feel normal within a few minutes.

After your procedure, you should have a quick recovery as the gas is out of your system after just a few minutes. You will be allowed to drive and get back to your regular day. 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 recommend eating a small snack before your appointment and then wait a minimum of three hours before you eat again.

If you're using insurance, our financial team will speak to your provider to determine your benefits regarding sedation. Once we know this, we can calculate your remaining costs. For those who aren't using insurance, MINT dentistry takes several payment methods, including low-interest financing, to make your care and sedation techniques like nitrous oxide gas easier to afford. Our MINT dentistry team is dedicated to helping you get your dream smile without unnecessary discomfort or fear. If you need help fitting your dental care into your budget, ask us for more information on the MINT Discount Plan for a way to save on your sedation and procedure.

Instead of putting off preventive dental care and ignoring pain in your mouth because of anxiety or fear of the dentist, please make an appointment to get more information about nitrous oxide gas and other sedation methods at MINT dentistry in Houston, TX. Our experienced dentists will address your concerns and answer any questions about using sedation like nitrous oxide gas at our premiere dental facility.