Nitrous Oxide Sedation in Houston, TX

If you have skipped dental visits because of your fear of the dentist, you could benefit from sedation at Michael A. Macaluso, D.D.S., PC. Our practice in Houston, TX features nitrous oxide sedation so that you can endure a treatment that would cause you dental anxiety. A proven sedation technique, the nitrous oxide (N₂O) gas (also called laughing gas) is administered by our general and cosmetic dentist, Dr. Michael Macaluso, to patients of all ages who qualify. Set up a consult with Dr. Macaluso to learn more about nitrous oxide and other sedation options during your next dental visit.

Laughing gas is a very popular sedation technique that can be utilized with little risk to children and adults alike. Prior to approving the use of nitrous oxide sedation, Dr. Macaluso will assess your current medications, medical history, and your concerns to be sure that nitrous oxide gas is indeed appropriate for you. 

Nitrous oxide sedation may be used if you are afraid or have anxieties about dental work that prevents you from attending your regular dental appointments. You might not be a candidate if you have had an adverse reaction with it in the past, have extreme phobias, trouble breathing through your nose, a lung condition called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or other health concerns as determined by Dr. Macaluso.

Before your dental treatment begins, the nitrous oxide will be administered to you using a mask. As you inhale the gas, it will act quickly and begin taking effect. We will observe your response to the gas, as well as your vitals. Dr. Macaluso will adjust the amount of gas delivered as necessary during the appointment. You may notice a tingling sensation in your outer extremities, and a feeling of warmth, vibration, and euphoria as the N₂O kicks in. Dr. Macaluso usually pairs nitrous oxide with a local anesthetic, like lidocaine, for numbing. After the procedure is done, the gas will be shut off and the effects will fade immediately.

Recovery from nitrous oxide sedation will begin once you stop inhaling it. Your body should recover within 3 – 5 minutes. You will be ready to operate a vehicle and return to your daily activities as soon as you leave our facility. While these side effects are not common, you may experience temporary chills, sweating, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, or headaches afterward. Don't hesitate to call our staff if you have any questions or concerns. To reduce the chance of nausea, we recommend that you consume a small meal or light snack prior to your appointment. Waiting around three hours after your appointment before consuming a heavy meal is also a suggestion.

Fear no more! If you are apprehensive even about regular dental appointments or you are dealing with oral discomfort because you are nervous about seeing a dentist, please think about consulting with Dr. Macaluso in Houston, TX. Our team will gladly answer your questions and ease your concerns about all types of sedation available to you at Michael A. Macaluso, D.D.S., PC.