Nitrous Oxide Sedation in Humble, TX

Committed to giving our patients a premier dental experience, MINT dentistry in Humble, TX utilizes state-of-the-art techniques and technologies to help our patients get a sexy smile without stress or discomfort. Our experienced dentists often meet with patients who wish to improve their smile but are hesitant because of dentophobia (fear of the dentist). If fear is keeping you from achieving your aesthetic goals, MINT dentistry can help. Our modern practice in Humble, TX offers nitrous oxide sedation for both routine cleanings and longer procedures to help keep patients comfortable during their visit. A safe and effective sedation method, nitrous oxide (N₂O) can help you to relax safely without feeling groggy afterward. Also known as laughing gas, nitrous oxide is used by MINT dentistry's board-certified doctors to help you feel more comfortable but still be awake. Schedule an appointment at our office to discuss adding nitrous oxide at your next visit.

Nitrous oxide is among the most popular sedation methods available. Nitrous oxide sedation can be used safely on most patients. Before nitrous oxide gas is used, your dentist will go through your medical history, current medications and conditions, as well as any questions or concerns you may have to ensure nitrous oxide gas is a good choice. Nitrous oxide sedation can be used during most procedures and is typically used along with local anesthesia to maximize comfort. Nitrous oxide sedation can also be added to dental exams and cleanings if you have anxiety or fears about the dentist that makes these appointments stressful. Nitrous oxide sedation may not be used if you have trouble breathing, extreme phobias, have COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), or another serious medical condition that affects your breathing.

To begin your appointment, we will ask you to lie back in a massaging treatment chair, then you will be offered a pair of Beats headphones and MINT sunglasses to help you relax further. Before your procedure begins, the nitrous oxide gas will be administered through a nasal hood. As you gently inhale the gas, it should start to relax you within moments. Your team will monitor your vital signs and response to the gas so they can adjust the volume as needed during your appointment to keep you relaxed. It's normal to feel tingling in your legs and arms, plus a feeling of vibration, warmth, euphoria, or well-being as the nitrous oxide gas takes effect. Nitrous oxide is normally combined with a local anesthesia, such as lidocaine, to numb your mouth in the areas being treated. Once the procedure is finished, the gas will be turned off and the effects will wear off quickly as the nitrous oxide leaves your system.

Nitrous oxide sedation usually needs a very short recovery period as the gas is out of your system after a few minutes. You will be allowed to drive and resume your normal activities. Side effects are uncommon, but you may experience temporary chills, sweating, headaches, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting. Please contact our office if your side effects last longer than three days or if you have any concerns. To minimize the risk of vomiting and nausea, we suggest you eat a small meal before your procedure and then wait at least three hours after you leave before eating a large meal.

For patients who are using insurance, our front office will contact your carrier to determine your coverage regarding nitrous oxide sedation. Once we know this, we can estimate your out-of-pocket costs before your procedure. For patients who don't have insurance, MINT dentistry takes several payment methods, including low-interest financing, to help to make your care and N₂O sedation easier to afford. At MINT dentistry, we are dedicated to helping our patients achieve their goal smile as painlessly as possible. If you need help fitting your dental care into your budget, ask your dentist for more information on the MINT Discount Plan for a way to save on your sedation and procedure.

If you skip routine dental appointments or you're ignoring dental pain because of fear or anxiety, please make an appointment to learn more about nitrous oxide gas and other sedation methods at MINT dentistry in Humble, TX. Our experienced support staff will be happy to address your concerns and answer any questions about the use of N₂O sedation at MINT dentistry in Humble, TX.