FOR YOUR COMFORT - If requested, our office offers Oral Sedation.  Halcion, in the form of a pill, is to be taken the night before your appointment and nothing should be eaten that evening after midnight.  A second pill is to be taken one hour before your appointment.

This medication will relax you.  Therefore, you will need to have someone drive you to your appointment and have this person remain during your appointment in case a responsible decision might need to be made on your behalf.

The morning of your appointment, you will take the second pill.  This is followed by the use of Nitrous Oxide , commonly known as laughing gas.  This is a sweet-smelling, non-irritating, colorless gas which you can breathe.

Nitrous Oxide has been the the primary means of sedation in dentistry for many years. Nitrous oxide is safe and effective in reducing any anxiety that the patient may have.

There are many advantages to using Nitrous Oxide

• The depth of sedation can be altered at any time to increase or decrease sedation.
• There is no after effect such as a “hangover”.
• Inhalation sedation is safe with no side effects on your heart and lungs, etc.
• Inhalation sedation is very effective in minimizing gagging.
• It works rapidly as it reaches the brain within 20 seconds. In as little as 2-3 minutes, its relaxation and pain killing properties develop.

When Not to use Nitrous Oxide

You should not utilize Nitrous Oxide if you have been diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Though there are no other major contraindications to using nitrous oxide, you may not want to use it if you have emphysema, exotic chest problems, M.S., a cold or other difficulties with breathing.