Nitrous Oxide Sedation in Houston, TX

As a premier facility in Houston, TX, MINT dentistry utilizes cutting-edge techniques and technology to help our patients obtain a chic smile with minimal discomfort or stress. We often consult with patients who would like to improve their oral health but are hesitant about getting started because of dental phobia or fears. If anxiety is holding you back from achieving your aesthetic goals, MINT dentistry can help. Our advanced facility in Houston, TX offers nitrous oxide sedation for dental treatments and procedures to help patients remain comfortable during their appointments. Nitrous oxide (N₂O) gas is an effective sedation method that can help you to safely relax without feeling groggy afterward. Commonly known as laughing gas, nitrous oxide is used by the board-certified doctors at MINT dentistry to help you feel more comfortable, but still be awake. Schedule a consultation with one of our board-certified dentists to get more information about using nitrous oxide at your next visit.

In most dental practices, nitrous oxide gas is one of the most common sedation techniques available. It can be used safely on most patients. Before nitrous oxide gas is used, your team of dental professionals will go through your medical history, current medications and conditions, and concerns to ensure nitrous oxide is a good choice for you. N₂O sedation can be used for most procedures and is often combined with local anesthesia so you are relaxed and comfortable. Nitrous oxide sedation may also be used for dental exams and cleanings if you have dental anxieties or fears that make these procedures stressful for you. Nitrous oxide gas may not be recommended if you have difficulty breathing through your nose, extreme fear, have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or another serious medical condition that affects your breathing.

For your appointment, we will invite you to settle into one of our massaging treatment chairs, then you will be offered a pair of MINT sunglasses and Beats headphones. When you are settled in and ready, the nitrous oxide gas will be administered through a nasal hood. As you gently inhale the gas, it should start to relax you within moments. Your team of MINT dentistry professionals will monitor your vital signs and response to the gas, adjusting the volume as needed throughout the procedure, so you remain relaxed and comfortable. Most patients feel tingling in their limbs, as well as a feeling of vibration, warmth, euphoria, or well-being as the nitrous oxide gas begins to work. Nitrous oxide is generally used along with a local anesthesia such as lidocaine to numb the area(s) being treated. Once the procedure is finished, the gas will be turned off and the effects will wear off quickly as the nitrous oxide leaves your system.

Nitrous oxide sedation usually needs a very short recovery period as the gas leaves your body after just a few minutes. You should be able to drive and resume your normal activities. Side effects are uncommon, but you may experience temporary headaches, chills, sweating, nausea, vomiting, or fatigue. Please contact MINT dentistry if you have any concerns or side effects that last longer than a few days. To minimize the risk of nausea and vomiting, we recommend eating a light meal before your procedure and wait at least three hours before you eat again.

If you're using insurance, our financial team will contact your carrier to determine your coverage regarding sedation. This will help us better estimate your remaining costs before your procedure. For those who aren't using insurance, MINT dentistry accepts many forms of payment, including low-interest financing, which can make your care and sedation techniques like nitrous oxide gas more affordable. Our MINT dentistry team is committed to helping our patients achieve their goal smile without unnecessary discomfort or fear. If you need help fitting your dental care into your budget, ask us about the MINT Discount Plan, which can help make it easier to afford both your procedure and any needed sedation, like nitrous oxide gas.

Instead of putting off preventive dental care and ignoring pain in your mouth because of fear or anxiety, please make an appointment to get more information about nitrous oxide gas and other sedation methods at our office in Houston, TX. Our highly trained dentists will answer your questions and address your concerns about the use of sedation like nitrous oxide gas at our practice in Houston, TX.