Nitrous Oxide Analgesia

Our office team wants you to have a good dental experience. We work to reduce anxiety in a number of ways. We hope open communication will help to reassure you. Our team is trained to advise you on what to expect during each visit and answer any questions you may have to ensure that you will be comfortable during your appointment. Our office has been designed for a comfortable dental experience as well with televisions, DVD players, headphones and other amenities for use during your appointment.

We use several methods to reduce anxiety and discomfort during the dental visit. Although most procedures can be accomplished very comfortably with local anesthetics alone, Dr. Gall and his team are trained in the use of oral sedatives and nitrous oxide use. Nitrous oxide, commonly known as “laughing gas” is inhaled through a nasal hood during the visit. It provides an analgesic effect. After properly administered nitrous oxide patients have no lingering effects and may drive themselves home after the appointment. Oral sedatives in the benzodiazepine family of drugs are sometimes prescribed. These are true sedatives and require that the patient be driven home by a family member or close friend. Although none of these methods is intended to cause our patients to lose consciousness, they do provide for comfortable and relaxing visits. Nitrous oxide is particularly safe and can be used in most situations with children and adults.