Learn About Using Nitrous Oxide During Oral And Maxillofacial Surgery
by Charlie Berry
Several procedures fall in the category of oral and maxillofacial surgery. It could be dental implant surgery or some type of jaw surgery. Some procedures are more complex than others, and they might require general anesthesia.
Some dental procedures might be done with sedation and local anesthetics. Nitrous oxide gas is a popular option for oral surgery. It's often combined with an injection of local anesthetic. Here's a look at why and how nitrous oxide is used in oral and maxillofacial surgery.
Nitrous Oxide Is A Gas
Nitrous oxide is also known as laughing gas because it relaxes you and makes you feel happy. Your dentist will probably deliver the gas through a mask you wear on your nose so it doesn't interfere with you opening your mouth. You might leave the mask on the entire dental visit or just at the start to get you relaxed until the anesthetic takes hold.
The dental surgeon can adjust the flow of the gas so you have just the right amount to be effective. They can turn the gas off and on as needed. The effects of nitrous oxide gas wear off fast once the gas is turned off for good at the end of your visit. Once you no longer feel the effects of the gas, you'll be able to drive yourself home from your dental appointment.
Nitrous Oxide Gas Might Make You Feel Odd
There are usually no unpleasant side effects or experiences with nitrous oxide. However, you'll probably notice some sort of effect. You might feel euphoric and have the giggles. Your body might feel like everything has slowed down and you might feel a little bit dizzy. You won't become unconscious or fall asleep. You'll still be awake even if you feel slow and sedated.
Nitrous Oxide Sedation Helps In A Few Ways
Since nitrous oxide gas boosts your mood, it may relieve the anxiety you have about your impending oral surgery. It can also relax you and help you overcome a phobia you might have about needles, dental drills, pain, or odors in a dentist's office. The gas also helps with pain relief.
Sensations should be dulled so you can tolerate your dental procedure even if injections aren't fully effective for you. Nitrous oxide doesn't kill pain entirely, so your dental surgeon will probably give you an injection too. The gas might also help if you have a strong gag reflex and have trouble undergoing dental treatments.
Nitrous oxide has been used in dentistry for decades, but it is just one option for sedation when you're undergoing oral and maxillofacial surgery. Your dental surgeon chooses the right type of anesthesia and sedation based on your medical history, type of surgery, and your preferences so you feel comfortable and relaxed during your procedure.
Reach out to a clinic like Lighthouse Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery to learn more.
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About Me
I used to be skeptical about chiropractic healing. However, that was before I tried it for myself. I was in an accident that did serious damage to my back. I followed all of the doctor’s recommendations, did my physical therapy, and still didn’t feel any better. That was when I finally decided to try going to my friend’s chiropractor. It was such a relief when I finally started to feel better thanks to the great chiropractic care I received. That’s when I decided to start researching chiropractic care and how it could be used to treat different conditions. This blog contains the results of that research. If you’re looking for a way to feel better, you too may benefit from chiropractic healing. These articles will help you learn how.