Oral Sedation and N2O : reduce anxiety and make treatment more relaxed
What is oral sedation and N2O used for during a root canal?
Dr. Sullivan offers our patients oral sedation and nitrous oxide for their root canal treatment at Mason Endodontics and Microsurgery. Oral Sedation and nitrous oxide (N2O) are used to alleviate dental anxiety and fear, manage pain and discomfort for patients who may have a low pain threshold, a sensitive gag reflex, or difficulty sitting for the length of time required to do a root canal. Nitrous oxide has been shown in research studies to increase the effectiveness of local anesthetic. Our office has plumbed in nitrous oxide and oxygen along with top of the line Accutron equipment for safe and effective delivery of nitrous oxide.
What is Nitrous Oxide?
Nitrous Oxide (N2O) is commonly referred to as laughing gas. It is breathed through the nose during treatment to help the patient relax. The N2O is flushed out with pure oxygen at the end of the appointment which allows the effects to be reduced quickly. N2O is easily titratable to achieve the desired level of relaxation for each individual patient. N2O is safe option for most patients and frequently used at Mason Endodontics and Microsurgery during endodontic treatment. You can drive yourself to and from treatment with nitrous oxide.
Oral Sedation
Oral sedation involves the administration of a prescribed medication (typically a benzodiazepine) in pill form 1 hour before treatment. Oral sedation helps reduce anxiety and induces a drowsy and relaxed state. The patient may feel groggy and may not remember much of the procedure. The patient is required to have a driver to and from the appointment. Consent forms are reviewed and all questions are answered by Dr. Sullivan prior to the treatment appointment. Nitrous oxide is commonly used in conjunction with oral sedation.
