Sedation Dentistry – Marlton, NJ
Make Your Next Appointment Stress-Free & Comfortable
Do you avoid getting dental care because you’re anxious or afraid? You’re not alone. Millions of people suffer from dental phobia or anxiety, enough so to keep them from achieving optimal oral health. Fortunately, Dr. Petulla, Dr. Kazemi, and their dental team in Marlton, NJ have years of experience working with patients to help them achieve their dental health goals in complete comfort and relaxation, no matter how anxious they are.
For many patients, this can be as simple as taking the time to listen to their concerns, answer any questions they have, and ensure their complete confidence in the treatments we recommend. For others, we have complimentary nitrous oxide sedation available to help create a calm, comfortable environment. This safe, reliable, and fast-acting type of dental sedation can make your next appointment stress-free and comfortable! Give us a call today to learn more and discover if it’s a good choice for you.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Nitrous Oxide Sedation?
Also known as laughing gas, nitrous oxide sedation is one of the most popular types of sedation used in dentistry. One reason for this is because it can help soothe a wide variety of patients, and most qualify as good candidates right away. Our complimentary nitrous oxide is usually a great choice for patients who:
- Need some help to relax in the dental chair
- Feel nervous or scared during dental treatment
- Have sensitive teeth or an overactive gag reflex
- Get neck, back, shoulder, jaw, or other pain sitting in the dental chair
- Have difficulty sitting still for long periods of time
- Plan on completing many treatments at once or are undergoing a complex procedure
We offer nitrous oxide sedation options for children as well as adults. However, we typically do not recommend it for very young or old patients, patients who are pregnant, or those with certain respiratory illnesses or conditions.
How Does Nitrous Oxide Sedation Work?
Nitrous oxide can be used during practically any type of dental treatment, from simple cleanings to more extensive restorations. Best of all, our nitrous oxide sedation is complimentary, so you can choose to use it whenever you feel like you could benefit from it. Nitrous oxide sedation is a colorless, odorless gas that can be inhaled through a small nasal mask during treatment. Within moments of breathing it in, you’ll begin to feel light, warm, and relaxed. You’ll remain conscious enough to answer simple questions and respond to basic instructions, but you’ll be oblivious to the sensations that would otherwise make you uncomfortable. We’ll monitor you closely and can adjust your level of sedation at any time to ensure you stay as safe and comfortable as possible.
Aftercare for Nitrous Oxide Sedation
Once your treatment is done and we remove the nose mask, you’ll return to your typical alert state within just a few moments. Nitrous oxide has no lingering effects, so you will be able to drive yourself home from your appointment and carry on with your day without interruption. On rare occasions patients may feel slightly nauseous for a little while after using nitrous oxide sedation, but the vast majority of patients experience no side effects whatsoever.
Nitrous Oxide Sedation FAQs
Is Nitrous Oxide Sedation Safe?
Of all the types of dental sedation, nitrous oxide is considered the safest for most people and isn’t likely to cause adverse effects. However, before proceeding, our team will update your medical history and list any prescriptions or supplements you’re on to avoid potential adverse reactions.
Then, once the nose mask is in place and you begin inhaling the medication, we’ll monitor your condition to ensure that your blood pressure, oxygen levels, heart rate, and other health stats all remain within healthy ranges.
If you are pregnant, we might recommend waiting until after delivery to undergo your procedure to prevent passing any of the drug into the placenta. That said, it’s usually safe if you’re nursing and isn’t likely to affect your supply.
What Does Nitrous Oxide Sedation Feel Like?
The effects kick in moments after you inhale the medication, which induces a relaxed, light, and euphoric sensation. Some people report a slight tingling sensation in their arms or legs. You might even get a bad case of the giggles, which is how this sedative earned its nickname, “laughing gas.”
If you’re concerned that it will leave you incapacitated for the rest of the day after your visit, you’re in luck! The impact wears off within a minute or two of removing the nose mask from your face. We’ll check that you’re feeling okay before you leave, but you can drive yourself home safely afterward.
Will I Remember Anything With Nitrous Oxide Sedation?
Many people worry that any form of sedation will render them unconscious and don’t want to feel out of control of their bodies, so they avoid scheduling necessary procedures. If you’re scared you’ll be “knocked out”, you can set your mind at ease!
Nitrous oxide doesn’t put you to sleep; you’ll still be conscious enough to respond to the dentists questions or requests. However, because it works by preventing oxygen from reaching your brain, you’re not likely to remember the details of your procedure after the fact. Some overly anxious patients appreciate this associated memory loss and consider it an additional perk.
How Much Does Nitrous Oxide Sedation Cost?
Most dental insurance policies categorize nitrous oxide sedation as a “luxury” like cosmetic services and don’t cover the cost. As a result, many patients wonder how much they can expect to pay for it.
Typically, you’ll pay a few hundred dollars for this type of sedation, which is much less than other options. The cost can depend on your unique situation and is influenced by different factors like how long it’s needed and how much is used.
We help make this service more affordable by offering flexible financing plans through third-party financers like Lending Club and CareCredit. If your application is approved, you can break up your final invoice into more manageable monthly installments that are easier on your budget.