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1322 NE Orenco Station Pkwy
Suite 300 Hillsboro, OR 97124

Nitrous Oxide Sedation – Hillsboro, OR

Safe, Effective, and Fast-Acting Dental Sedative

Woman giving thumbs up while visiting sedation dentist in Hillsboro

With dental phobia affecting tens of millions of Americans every year, it’s crucial that dental offices can accommodate their needs. Nitrous oxide has been around for quite some time and used by dentists for decades to help patients alleviate nervousness or discomfort during dental treatments. If you’ve always found it difficult to complete dental appointments or find yourself cancelling them solely out of fear, it’s worth it to give nitrous oxide a second look! Call our office today to learn more and schedule your next appointment with confidence.

How Nitrous Oxide Works

Patient receiving nitrous oxide in Hillsboro during dental treatment

Nitrous oxide contains both nitrous and oxygen, both of which work to help you stay as relaxed as possible through the course of your appointment. It comes in the form of a colorless, odorless gas that is gently inhaled through a nasal mask that’s worn throughout treatment. This allows the dentist to work inside the mouth without intrusion from the sedation device itself.

As it’s inhaled, nitrous oxide creates an incredibly calming sensation. Not only will you feel very relaxed, but many patients begin to feel slightly euphoric, which is one of the reasons why it’s also referred to as “laughing gas.” With that said, it’s a completely safe sedative to receive in dental settings and is actually the mildest type of dental sedation you can get.

Who is a Good Candidate for Nitrous Oxide?

Woman smiling while visiting a sedation dentist in Hillsboro

Sedatives like nitrous oxide are generally recommended for those who have dental anxiety, nervousness, or phobia that’s preventing them from getting the treatment they need. However, it’s hardly the only group that can benefit from its use.

For example, nitrous oxide is great for those who have a sensitive gag reflex, making it difficult to keep the mouth open during dental exams or treatments. It’s also ideal for those who have a low pain tolerance or difficulty holding their jaw open for long periods of time (this is generally quite common for those with TMJ problems.)

Alternatively, patients who struggle to sit still in the dental chair (such as those with cognitive or physical disabilities) can greatly benefit from nitrous oxide. Furthermore, if you know that you need to have multiple treatments completed in a single session and aren’t able to schedule follow-up appointments in the near future, nitrous oxide can make it easier to get these treatments done.

Are There Side Effects?

Sedation dentist in Hillsboro shaking hands with a patient

Once the nasal mask is removed and you have a chance to breathe regular air, the effects of the nitrous oxide should completely dissipate within a few minutes. That means you can continue about your day without interruptions, making the sedative particularly useful for those completing dental appointments in the middle of the workday (or on a day where they have additional errands to complete). With that said, it’s not impossible for some minor side effects to occur, including nausea, fatigue, headaches, and sweating. These side effects are generally rare, and when the do occur, they are mild in nature.