Nitrous oxide sedation
Conscious sedation using nitrous oxide
Conscious sedation using nitrous oxide can be a solution for necessary dental treatments for anxious patients (from 4 years of age), people with extreme gag reflex and/or vomiting tendency, as well as people with mental or physical disabilities. However, it is important that the patient is in good health and minimal cooperation is possible. Nitrous oxide is administered through a nasal mask. It is therefore important that the patient can breathe properly through the nose.
Inhaling nitrous oxide gives the patient a reassuring and calming feeling. The patient remains conscious and throughout the treatment, communication remains possible through pre-arranged gestures. As in a regular treatment, the dentist still has to locally anaesthetise, but the nitrous oxide makes one hardly feel the sting.
Nitrous oxide - also called laughing gas - is a mixture of oxygen and nitrogen. It is a safe gas that works quickly and wears off quickly when the dose is stopped. No residues remain in the body and few side effects occur.
A proper medical diagnosis beforehand is necessary to check whether the patient is eligible for treatment under nitrous oxide. The aim is always to be able to follow an ordinary treatment course afterwards.
A proper medical diagnosis beforehand is necessary to check whether the patient is eligible for treatment under nitrous oxide. The aim is always to be able to follow an ordinary treatment course afterwards.
Currently in Belgium, this treatment is only available in specialised centres with trained dentists and assistants.
Dentius Herzele
Dentius Liège-Médiacité