Nitrous Oxide Sedation in Williston, VT

If you have been avoiding appointments due to dental fears and anxieties, learn more about nitrous oxide sedation at Contemporary Dental Arts. Our office in Williston, VT offers nitrous oxide sedation for both longer procedures and to comfort individuals with dental fears and anxieties during regular appointments. Nitrous oxide (N₂O) gas is an effective sedation method that can help you relax safely during your appointment. Also called laughing gas, nitrous oxide is offered by dentist Dr. Lauren Shanard to help you feel more comfortable while still being awake. Set up a consultation with Dr. Shanard to discuss using nitrous oxide or another form of sedation during your appointment.

N₂O is one of the most common sedation techniques that can be utilized with little risk on both adults and children. Before nitrous oxide gas is used, Dr. Shanard will assess your medical history, current medications, and concerns to be sure that nitrous oxide gas is indeed a fit for you. Nitrous oxide sedation can be utilized for longer or minimally invasive procedures paired with a local anesthesia to help minimize potential pain. Nitrous oxide sedation can also be used if you have fear or anxieties toward dental work that prevent you from keeping your regular dental appointments. Nitrous oxide gas may not be suitable if you have extreme phobias, trouble breathing through your nose, COPD, or other similar health concerns.

Before your procedure begins, the nitrous oxide gas will be administered to you through a mask. As you gently breathe in the gas, it will act quickly and begin taking effect. Dr. Shanard or another member of her staff will observe your response to the gas as well as your vitals, and adjust the volume as needed during the appointment so you stay comfortable. You may notice a tingling sensation in your outer extremities, and a feeling of warmth, euphoria, or well-being as the N₂O takes effect. Nitrous oxide is normally used along with a local anesthetic like lidocaine to deaden sensation. Once the procedure is done, the gas is shut off and the effects will begin to fade immediately.

Recovery from nitrous oxide sedation is typically immediate because the medication is eliminated from the body within 3 – 5 minutes. You will be ready to operate a vehicle and return to your daily activities as soon as you leave our facility. Side effects are not common, but you may experience headaches, chills, sweating, nausea, vomiting, or fatigue. Please call our office if you have any concerns or side effects last longer than a few days. To minimize the chance of nausea, Dr. Shanard recommends that you consume a small meal or light snack prior to your appointment and wait at least three hours after your appointment before eating a large meal.

If you carry dental insurance, our office will contact your carrier to obtain your coverage and benefits regarding nitrous oxide sedation. This information will help us better estimate your expected costs prior to your procedure. For those who don't carry dental insurance, Contemporary Dental Arts takes several types of payment, which includes medical financing, to help make your procedure more affordable.

If you skip routine dental appointments or you are ignoring oral discomfort due to fear or anxiety, please schedule a consultation with dentist Dr. Shanard for more information about nitrous oxide sedation at our office in Williston, VT. Dr. Shanard and her highly trained team will gladly answer your questions and ease your concerns about sedation at Contemporary Dental Arts.