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Nitrous Oxide & Oral Conscious Sedation
If you delay visiting the dental office because of fear and anxiety, FEAR NO MORE! Dr. Marshall and Dr. Roppa understand "fear" is the number one reason for patients not visiting the dentist. The doctors have made a personal committment to you by being specially licensed to make you no longer fear and neglect your dental needs.
There are 2 Options to reduce your fear.
1. Nitrous Oxide Gas
Nitrous oxide gas is a clear, colorless, odorless gas that is inhaled through your nose and exhaled through your nose or mouth.
Patients who would best benefit from Nitrous Oxide Gas include:
- If you have mild to moderate dental fears
- If you want to take the "edge" off of any procedure
- If you have a mild to moderate gag reflex
- If you are not claustraphobic
- If you have heart problems or other medical concerns
The Doctors must determine if you are a healthy candidate to receive Nitrous Oxide Gas. The procedure starts with you wearing a small rubber nosepiece that snugly covers the entire nose, nothing over your mouth. The mask is connected to the oxygen and nitrous tanks that will rest beside your dental chair durning the entire procedure. The nitrous gas level may be adjusted higher or lower based on your desired comfort. 99.9% of the nitrous you breath in, you will exhale the gas unchanged. This means your body minimally metabolizes and absorbs the gas, however it will still have an effect on the body. This makes nitrous oxide gas safe and allows you to feel completely normal within 5 minutes after we turn the gas off and allow you to breath 100% oxygen. You then can get up and drive yourself home with no worries. You are completely awake and responsive while inhaling nitrous, however based on the nitrous level you desire will determine how relaxed you become. Nitrous oxide gas simply takes the "edge off" and allows you to "forget" what is making you so nervous.
2. Oral Conscious Sedation (OCS)
Oral Conscious Sedation is a means of making your mind and body relax by orally taking safe medication before your dental appointment.
Those who would best benefit from Oral Conscious Sedation (OCS):
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If you have moderate to severe dental fears
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If you need something stronger than Nitrous Oxide Gas
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If you are to have a more advanced procedure
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If you require a longer appointment (hours)
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If you desire more dental work to be done at one setting
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If you have trouble missing work due to multiple appointments
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If you have a moderate to severe gag reflex,
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If you simply want to relax or forget what was done
The Doctors must determine if you are an acceptable candidate for OCS. Some medical conditions and medications prohibit the use of OCS. You may call for a free consulation to discuss OCS.
If you are an acceptable candidate for OCS, you should not eat anything for 4-6 hours before your appointment. Food in your stomach will force us to administer more medication to reach our desired effect. Bring your prescribed medicaiton to the office, do not take at home. You must have a responsible friend or family member drive you to and from the dental office, you may not drive yourself. While at the office, the doctor will administer your medication 1 (one) hour before your dental appointment. You will relax in the dental chair and become extremely "sleepy" during this hour. After an hour, you will be in an induced, relaxed, forgetful state of mind to start the procedures. You will no longer realize how long your appointments will be, thus allowing us to perform more dental work at one time. The majority of patients will actually snore at some point during the procedure. Once the procedure is done, we will contact your driver to escort you home. You should plan on taking it easy the remainder of the day. We will contact you the next day to check on your progress and discuss your home care instructions. The medication has an amnesic effect and most often times, the next day you will remember only a few if any details of entire your visit.
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