NITROUS OXIDE SEDATION

It is also known as laughing gas or happy gas. It has no colour nor smell and does not make you sleep.

Nitrous Oxide Sedation takes place at our rooms in Salt River. A certain amount of co-operation is needed as a mask has to be kept on the nose of the patient. The patient will still need to be anaesthetised but it is much easier to do so as the patient is very calm and relaxed.

What happens once the N2O is administered?

• an initial period of light-headedness after 60 – 90 secs followed by:
• a tingling sensation especially in the arms and legs
• a feeling of heaviness followed by
• warm sensations and
• a feeling of floating and well-being.

If you experience any unpleasant symptoms such as:

• nausea
• unpleasant sensations
• flashbacks
• laughing
• becoming giddy
• crying

let your dentist know immediately so that the percentage of N2O can be adjusted.

Alternatively, just take the mask off.

There is no “hangover” effect and you can drive home safely and don’t need an escort.

If you are prone to nausea, it’s a good idea to have a meal about 4 hours before your appointment.

CONSCIOUS SEDATION

This takes place at our rooms in Salt River.

An anaesthetist is brought into our rooms to administer the sedation.

Although the patient is sedated, he/she is still able to hear and is able to follow instructions.

Children under 3yrs are not good candidates for conscious sedation.

GENERAL ANAESTHETIC

This is an in hospital procedure and requires the booking of a theatre and anaesthetist.

Children under the 3yrs are the best candidate for this form of sedation.